The Importance Of Getting an Oral Exam

By Angelica Guzman, Dental Assistant

Michael King DDS (Mira Dental Care)

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The Importance Of Getting an Oral Exam

Coming in for your yearly dental examination is very important. The dentist will do an overall exam where they will check for cavities, grinding, and do an oral cancer screening. Oral cancer is most commonly diagnosed by your dentist, rather than your primary care physician. Your dentist will feel around your gums, neck, and tongue for any signs. Oral cancer appears as a growth or sore in the mouth which doesn't go away. Lumps, skin lesions, and discolored tissues may all be evidence of oral, head, or neck cancer.

If any of those signs are found, you may be referred to a specialist who may then perform a biopsy, which is a sample of the tissue to analyze for abnormal cells. It's important for you to see a dentist before it has had a chance to progress and spread.

Anyone can get oral cancer but people who smoke and drink heavily are at a higher risk. Which is why it is so important for you to visit the dentist at least twice a year.

As for cavities, you don't want them to get bigger, which will then end up costing you more money the end or even causing you to losing your teeth. Something that start as small filling may be a crown if you wait to long. The dental team will go over oral hygiene to prevent future cavities at each appointment.