Teeth Cleaning & Oral Cancer Screening

Dental Prophylaxis

A dental prophylaxis is a cleaning treatment performed to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. It is an important dental treatment for stopping the progression of gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Dental prophylaxis is an effective procedure in keeping the oral cavity in proper health and halting the progression of gum disease.

The benefits of professional teeth cleaning include:

• Plaque removal: Tartar (also referred to as calculus) and plaque buildup can result in serious periodontal problems. Even with a proper home brushing and flossing routine, it can be impossible to remove all debris, bacteria, and deposits from gum pockets. The experienced eye of a dentist or hygienist using specialized dental equipment is necessary to catch potentially damaging buildup.
• A healthier looking smile: Stained and yellowed teeth can dramatically decrease the aesthetics of a smile. Prophylaxis is an effective treatment in ridding the teeth of these unsightly stains.
• Fresher breath: Bad breath (or halitosis) is generally indicative of advancing periodontal disease. The routine removal of plaque, calculus, and bacteria can noticeably improve halitosis and reduce infection.
• Oral cancer examinations: These are done during your cleaning appointment.

Professional dental cleaning can be performed at our office. We recommend that prophylaxis be performed twice annually as a preventative measure, but every 3-4 months for periodontitis sufferers. It should be noted that gum disease cannot be completely reversed, but dental prophylaxis is one of the tools that can be used to effectively halt its progression.

Oral Pathology

The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process, such as oral cancer. The following can be signs of a pathological process or cancerous growth:

• Reddish patches (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth
• A sore that fails to heal and bleeds easily
• A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness and/or difficulty in chewing or swallowing

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology, and it is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause may also be at risk for oral cancer.

We recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly. Remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact us with any questions or concerns.