A healthy mouth relies on more than just strong teeth and gums. Your mouth and throat have complex structures that play an important role in your essential oral function. A problem in one of these areas can significantly impact the healthy function of your mouth and can sometimes be life-threatening.
Maintaining good oral health starts with consistent daily oral hygiene routine as well as having a dentist perform a dental checkup twice each year. Each of these outpatient appointments is designed to clean your teeth and detect any oral health issues before they can worsen.
It also includes an important screening for early signs of oral and pharyngeal cancer, which is typically done at the end of the dental checkup. It involves a brief inspection of your tongue, throat, face and neck for any abnormalities, swelling or discoloration.
If an area of concern is found, you will be referred to an oncologist or other specialists to confirm a diagnosis and start the treatment process. The American Cancer Society estimates that with early diagnosis, the 5-year relative survival rate for oral or pharyngeal cancer can be as high as 83%.
If you live in the Orlando, Florida, area and you have noticed something abnormal in your mouth, you should call 407-351-2245 to schedule a dental checkup and oral cancer screening at MedPlex Dental Holistic Dentistry.