Have you heard of oral cancer screening?
Has anyone else wondered what Jason Mraz means when he signs “I been spendin’ way too long checkin’ my tongue in the mirror and bendin’ over backwards just to try and see it clearer’’?
I recommend you and Jason make sure to have your dentist review your oral cancer screening at your 6 month check exams.
Youthful and mature alike, I make sure to provide every patient with an oral cancer screening. There are specific locations that we need to have a look at. For example, did you know there is a maxillary and mandibular vestibule? How about the dorsal and lateral surfaces of your tongue!? Do you realize that your gingival mucosa should demonstrate healthy stippling!?
A routine oral screening is very helpful in preventing potential problems. For example, pain, irritation, pathogens, and even cancer. Additionally, this will help to achieve overall oral health!
Book an appointment for your oral screening.
A thorough exam certainly includes whether or not you have a cavity too. And if your dentist isn’t examining your palatal rugae, uvula, tonsils, and oropharynx…who else is having a looksie that will recognize any cause for an early warning referral to a specialist in pathology?!
Check in with your dentist to make sure they perform this critical part of your oral health exam. If you don’t think you hear any discussion on the subject, please ask us! We will be happy to explain what is found and what some of our own language means that very likely sounds a little foreign.
Sit back, relax, let your doc check that tongue in his mirror and prevent anyone from bendin’ over backwards!
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