Check-Ups and Cancer Screening
11/05/2016 by Dental DesignEssential checks
We love seeing you! No really we do – in fact we want to see you on a regular basis so we can keep a close eye on your precious pearly whites and make sure any problems are spotted as early as possible. We prefer this preventive approach as it helps keep your dental health in great condition and also means you can avoid more involved and costly treatment down the line – saving you money as well as a whole heap of hassle.
So what exactly are we doing when we ask you to ‘open wide’ and then stare into your mouth? We’re actually looking for lots of different things that may affect your oral health including signs of:
- decay
- gum disease
- overcrowding
- teeth grinding
- infection
- a misaligned bite
- oral cancer
A real lifesaver
The last point on the list above shows how a routine check-up might just turn out to be a lifesaver. Oral cancer is an increasingly prevalent disease with around 7000 people diagnosed annually in the UK alone. Early detection is vital as this form of cancer can be quite advanced when it is picked up, so the earlier we spot it, the more effective any treatment will be. This is why we check for the following:
- unusual swellings or any other changes to your face, neck or lips
- enlarged nodes in your neck
We also look for any signs in the following areas:
- the top and bottom lip, and further down the sides of your mouth
- inside your cheeks
- your tongue – we might ask you to stick this out so we can have a proper look
- the floor and roof of your mouth
We can offer advice on diet, tobacco use and alcohol consumption and suggest other ways you can reduce your risk of developing oral cancer.
Watch your mouth!
In between your regular appointments it’s wise to be mouth aware and look for any of the following:
- pain when swallowing
- a sore area that doesn’t heal or mouth ulcers that have been present for more than 3 weeks
- red or white patches
- lumps
- any numbness
- loose teeth
- persistent sort throat or hoarseness
- swelling in the jaw
- a persistent earache or blocked nose
If you do have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
As well as being on the receiving end of all these essential checks, by seeing us regularly we can get to know you (and your mouth), as well as teaching you plenty of tooth care techniques.
If we do identify any issues during your routine assessment, we offer a full range of treatments to restore your teeth to their former glory and keep them healthy.
Following your comprehensive check-up we will let you know when you need to come and see us again – so remember to save the date!
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