11 Feb Keeping Your Smile Safe With Oral Pathology
Have you noticed an abnormal lump or red patch that won’t go away around your mouth, lips, or throat? This can be concerning, as it could be an indication of a serious oral health concern. Your team at the Great River Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery office in Platteville, WI, may be able to closely examine the area with digital imaging and find the right treatment.
Preventive Care And Self-Examinations
As you may already know, it’s important to visit your dentist twice a year for a checkup. During this visit, you will have plaque cleaned from your teeth to prevent cavities, and your dentist will carefully examine your smile to look for any potential concerns. Many patients may not realize this, but your dentist is looking for more than just tooth decay. They are checking for signs of gingivitis, impacted teeth, and signs of oral cancer. Similar to other types of cancer, early detection of oral cancer increases the likelihood of a full recovery.
In addition to your regular checkups, you should also perform regular examinations at home. Each month, stand in front of a well-lit mirror and closely look at your tongue, gums, and the inside of your mouth. You may want to look out for white or red patches, lumps, and other significant changes.
What To Do If You Notice An Abnormality
Smoking cigarettes, excessive alcohol consumption, and sun exposure can all contribute to cancer around your throat and mouth. If you are over 50, your risk factors increase as well. However, it’s important for patients of all ages to regularly check for symptoms. If you notice that you have a sore that has not healed, feel a lump in your mouth or throat, or have experienced other symptoms, we recommend that you schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible.
Digital Imaging Helps In Your Diagnosis
When you come in for your visit, our team will carefully examine your oral cavity and take x-rays for a closer look. Digital imaging allows us to get a clear and thorough look at our mouth, which can assist us in diagnosing and creating treatment plans. If we detect what could be cancer, we may recommend a biopsy for testing. Digital imaging with X-rays is important for preventive care during your regular checkups, as well as throughout treatments to keep records of your oral health. Generally, your dentist will recommend X-rays at least once a year.
Schedule An Appointment With Our Team
Our team is here to help keep your smile healthy. To learn more about our oral pathology services and other treatments, contact our team at the Great River Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery by calling our Dubuque location at (563) 557-1440, Clinton at (563) 259-4349, and Platteville at (608) 348-8955.