The key to surviving any type of cancer is early detection, so this is why an oral cancer exam is so very important. During this type of exam, a dental health care professional will be looking for the typical signs of this disease such as growths or tumors. Other symptoms could be a sore that appears and does not heal. It can affect any part of the mouth including the roof of the mouth, the bottom, the cheeks, lips, sinuses, and the throat. Most of these are treatable and curable if found early making diagnosis as soon as possible a very important part of one’s health care regiment.

If a person wears dentures or any other types of apparatuses, a dentist will want these removed so that he or she can thoroughly inspect all of the areas that would normally be covered by these types of devices. Next, a dental health professional will completely and thoroughly inspect each and every inch of the face, lips, mouth, and neck. They will use their hands and touch sensation to be able to find palpable lumps or lesions that you may not have notice beforehand. This is because they have specialized training, and they know exactly what it is that they are searching for as well as what to flag as a problem during an oral cancer exam.

The tongue will also be examined for an oral cancer exam to make sure that there are no sores, lumps, or other types of signs and symptoms that they might be concerned with including odd textures or discolorations. The dentist will also move the tongue from one side and then to the other checking the base and underside for sores and lumps that might be suspicious.

The roof and back of the mouth will be thoroughly examined as well. The cheeks and lips will be inspected for white patches that could signal infection or disease during an oral cancer exam.

Patients that may require additional types of tests are those that are over the age of forty, people who smoke, people who drink, or those who may have come in contact with Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV.

The typical symptoms include red or white discolored areas or lumps in the mouth region, sores that do not heal, thickened or hardened areas, tissue that feels rough, inability or trouble swallowing or chewing, and a sore throat that does not subside. These will be detected during your oral cancer exam.

If the dentist finds something that looks suspicious such as leukoplakia or any other types of things that do not look right, he or she will do an impression, and then implement a treatment procedure. If the treatment fails, then a biopsy may be warranted, and this will give the dental care provider more information about what type of disease it is and what stage it is in.

Most cancers are caused by at risk behavior. Studies show that over 75% of cancers of the mouth can be prevented with modifying your behavior such as smoking cessation and not allowing yourself to drink too much. A healthy diet is also important for oral health.

Houston Dentist is an expert in cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dental teeth procedures and oral cancer exam.

For your dental needs please contact us at http://www.houstondentists.org/

Author Bio: Houston Dentist is an expert in cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dental teeth procedures and oral cancer exam.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Oral Cancer Exam, Mouth Ulcers, Dental Health, Gum Disease, Dentistry