Hidden Dangers: Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer Detection

At Riverside Dental, we believe prevention is the key to excellent oral health. As part of our ongoing dedication to your overall oral health, we have taken a keen interest in staying on top of the best oral cancer detection techniques available. With regular checkups and professional cleaning, you can be assured that we will do everything possible to protect your oral health and beautiful smile.

The signs of oral cancer

We perform a thorough oral cancer exam during your checkups because early detection can save your life.

Oral cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the mouth and throat. Some of the warning signs are:

• A red, white, or discolored patch or lump in or around your mouth
• A sore that bleeds easily or that doesn’t heal within 2 weeks
• An area that has thickened, raised, or become hardened
• A rough patch of tissue
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• A chronic sore throat or hoarseness

The exam for oral cancer

Because early detection is vital to surviving oral cancer, we will perform a thorough oral cancer screening each time we see you in our office for an exam. In addition, if you notice any warning signs, tell us right away. Do not ignore one or more of the signs just because it does not hurt. Most pre-cancerous lesions are completely painless.

As part of our oral cancer exam, we can offer comfortable, non-invasive technologies for detecting cancer in its earliest stages. There can be two steps in oral cancer detection: screening and biopsy.

Screening for oral cancer

First we use a cancer screening technology to help us find and identify suspicious tissues, especially the ones that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

The technology combines a specifically formulated mouthrinse with a special light.

We use a concentrated light that identifies abnormal areas. Under the light, abnormal or suspicious tissues appear white in contrast with the surrounding healthy tissue. If we find any suspicious sores or lesions, we may then use an in-office biopsy system to determine if the area is pre-cancerous or cancerous.

Performing a biopsy for oral cancer

We press a small brush firmly against the area and rotate it gently to collect a sample of cells.

The sample is spread onto a glass slide and sent to the laboratory for examination. At the lab, a computer analyses the cell sample. A pathologist then evaluates the sample and provides a diagnosis.

Hidden Dangers: Plaque

Disclosing Tablets

Plaque detective

Using disclosing tablets is a good way to find the plaque that is left on your teeth after brushing and flossing. Disclosing tablets are made with a harmless vegetable dye that stains plaque red.

Why use disclosing tablets

Disclosing tablets can work to prevent cavities and periodontal disease by helping you see the plaque on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food and bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. Because plaque is colorless, it can be hard to see. You can see how it shows up after the disclosing tablet stained it with red vegetable dye. If plaque is not removed every day, it builds up and hardens to become tartar, which becomes stained blue. It takes professional help to remove tartar. There is no way for you to effectively remove tartar at home. A toothbrush or floss will not remove the hardened tartar. It is important to keep your teeth and gums free of plaque and tartar because they are the main cause of tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontal disease. That is why it is important that you find and remove all the plaque at home every day.

How to use disclosing tablets

To use disclosing tablets, first brush and floss. Then simply chew a tablet, swish it around your mouth, and rinse with water. Use a small dental mirror to check your teeth for any signs of red, especially near the gumline. Brush and floss these missed areas again until the red is gone. Using disclosing tablets, you can improve your homecare technique and keep your smile healthy.

Hidden Dangers

Oral Cancer Exam

Life saving measures

We perform a thorough oral cancer exam during your checkups because early detection of oral cancer can save your life.

The signs of oral cancer

Oral cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the mouth and throat. Some of the warning signs are:

• A red, white, or discolored patch or lump in or around your mouth
• A sore that bleeds easily or that does not heal within 2 weeks
• An area that has thickened, raised, or hardened
• A rough patch of tissue
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• A chronic sore throat or hoarseness

Oral cancer exam

During the exam, we feel for lumps or abnormal tissue changes on your neck and inside your mouth. We thoroughly examine the soft tissues in your mouth, especially the most frequent oral cancer sites:

• Your tongue
• The floor of your mouth
• Your soft palate
• Your lips
• Your gums

We may also do additional testing or use specialized equipment to identify any suspicious areas, particularly if you’re at higher risk for developing oral cancer, including adults over 40, tobacco users, people who consume alcohol excessively, and those with oral contact of the human papilloma virus.

Lifestyle changes

Some lifestyle changes can minimize your chances of developing oral cancer changes, including;

• Do not smoke or use smokeless tobacco
• Avoid excessive use of alcohol
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables each day

With regular exams and a healthy lifestyle, you can better maintain your oral and overall health.

Hidden Dangers

Smokeless Tobacco

The myth of safety

Smokeless tobacco is not safe, because just like cigarettes, it contains nicotine and dangerous chemicals. In addition, smokeless tobacco is processed with nearly as much sugar as there is in candy.

Dental problems caused by smokeless tobacco

Smokeless tobacco can cause a number of problems with your oral health. Not only does that little pinch between your check and gums give you unsightly stains and bad breath, it is a hot spot for tooth decay, which can lead to fillings, crowns, and root canal therapy. Smokeless tobacco also causes receding gums and tooth abrasion, both of which can lead to sensitive teeth. It also contributes to periodontal disease that can lead to more infection and loss of teeth and bone.

Dangerous health risks of smokeless tobacco

Using chewing tobacco can also lead to mouth sores, and some of these sore can become cancerous. This is serious because oral cancer can kill. Smokeless tobacco leads to many other painful and debilitating diseases such as stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, clogged arteries and stroke. Our advice: to protect your oral and overall health, do not use smokeless tobacco. If you have already started, quit now.