Oral Cancer Screening

Dr. Meshkin checks your mouth for signs of oral cancer at every appointment. At Lala Dental, Dr. Meshkin 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 any disease that affects the mouth and throat. It’s typically caused by excess exposure to the sun, smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco, or using other tobacco products like pipes or cigars. When caught early enough, it can usually be treated successfully. Brushing your teeth twice a day, swishing with mouthwash, avoiding alcohol and tobacco use, and eating a well-balanced diet can help keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you’ve noticed any changes in your mouth that last longer than two weeks, schedule an appointment with Dr. Meshkin as soon as possible.

Dr. Meshkin will feel 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 visits to Dr. Meshkin are critical to catching oral cancer early and ensuring the best outcomes. It’s essential to maintain your dental health for many reasons. A clean mouth means less plaque buildup and less chance 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 Have Oral Cancer Screenings?

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 screening. Suppose you have felt any lumps, sore spots, white or reddish patches in your mouth, weight gain without a change in diet, hoarseness that lasts longer than two weeks, or has a family history of cancer. In that case, you may be at higher risk for getting oral cancer and should see Dr. Meshkin more often for regular screenings.

Regular checkups with Dr. Meshkin are vital to catching 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.