A Routine Part of Your Newton Exam
You may not have realized it, but if you have had a checkup with us, you have probably had an oral cancer screening. Dr. Monika Kaceli includes an oral cancer evaluation in the dental exam at our Newton office, along with a gum evaluation and a check of your bite and jaw.
It is quick, and you will likely just feel her looking around and pressing gently along your jaw and neck. Knowing what she is doing during those minutes can help you take part in it.
What Dr. Kaceli Is Looking For
The goal is to spot tissue that looks or feels different from what it should. That can include:
- Patches of white or red on the tongue, gums or cheeks
- Sores that are not healing
- Lumps, bumps or areas that feel thick or hard
- Changes on the lips, especially from sun exposure
- Swelling or tenderness in the neck or under the jaw
Most changes turn out to be harmless. Mouths get bitten, scraped by sharp chips and irritated by dentures or new restorations all the time. When a spot is unclear, the usual next step is to recheck it after a short wait, or to refer you to a specialist for a closer look.
How to Check Your Own Mouth
You see your mouth every day, and a monthly self-check takes about a minute. Stand in front of a mirror in good light.
- Lips and gumsPull your lips out and look at the inside of each, then at your gums all the way around.
- CheeksUse a finger to pull each cheek out and look at the inner lining.
- TongueStick out your tongue and check the top and both sides. Then lift it to see the underside and the floor of your mouth.
- Roof and throatTilt your head back, open wide and look at the roof of your mouth and as far back as you can see.
- NeckFeel gently along both sides of your neck and under your jaw for any lumps.
If you find something that does not go away within two weeks, call us and mention it. You do not need to wait for your next checkup.
Habits That Affect Your Risk
Some risks are worth knowing about. Tobacco in any form is one of the biggest, and heavy drinking adds to it. Long hours in the sun can affect the lips, and a family history of cancer is also worth mentioning.
Telling us about these factors helps Dr. Kaceli decide what to watch more closely. It also gives you a chance to ask about lip protection or support for cutting back, if that is something you are thinking about.
Why Choose Kaceli Dental Studio in Newton?
At our Newton office, your exam is a full look at your mouth, from teeth and gums to bite, jaw joints and soft tissue. Dr. Kaceli takes the time to explain what she sees and is glad to answer questions about anything you have noticed.
If something concerns you between visits, call (617) 795-7211. Our Newton office offers same-day visits for urgent problems, and we would rather check a worrying spot early.
