At LALA Dental, Dr. Meshkin will check your mouth for signs of oral cancer at every appointment. The dentist will examine the inside of your mouth, the tonsils, and the tongue for abnormal sores or growths. If Dr. Meshkin sees something suspicious, she may ask you to come back for a biopsy, a procedure in which Dr. Meshkin removes a small sample of tissue to examine under a microscope.
If you have a history of smoking and drinking heavily, your risk of oral cancer is even higher. If your lifestyle includes frequent tobacco use, you should visit Dr. Meshkin more frequently than usual to check for any changes.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer refers to cancer that affects the inside of the mouth. It’s typically caused by excess exposure to the sun, smoking cigarettes or cigars, chewing tobacco, or using other tobacco products like pipes. When caught early enough, it can usually be treated successfully.
Brushing your teeth twice a day, using mouthwash, avoiding alcohol and tobacco use, and eating a well-balanced diet can help keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent oral cancer. If you’ve noticed any changes in your mouth that last longer than two weeks, schedule an appointment with Dr. Meshkin for an oral cancer screening as soon as possible.
During an oral cancer screening, Dr. Meshkin will check for abnormalities like lumps in the neck, shoulders, face, mouth, lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. She may also examine the lymph nodes in your neck to check for swelling.
Regular dental visits are critical to catching oral cancer early and ensuring the best outcomes. They are also essential for maintaining your overall dental health. A clean mouth means less plaque buildup and a lower risk of gum disease, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. It can also help prevent tooth decay and the need for root canals, fillings, tooth extractions, and other dental procedures.
How Often Should I Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
Dr. Meshkin may recommend getting screened for oral cancer once a year, but depending on your history of cancer or pre-cancer symptoms, you may see Dr. Meshkin more often for screenings.
If you feel any lumps, sore spots, or white or reddish patches in your mouth, gain weight without changing your diet, experience hoarseness that lasts longer than two weeks, or have a family history of cancer, you may be at higher risk for oral cancer and should see Dr. Meshkin more often for regular screenings.
Regular checkups with Dr. Meshkin are vital to catching oral cancer early and protecting your health. For the best dental care tailored to your specific needs, visit LALA Dental at 895 Moraga Rd Suite 6, Lafayette, CA 94549, or call (925) 385-8858.
