This is one of the few times when I combine dentistry (my profession) with a response to the daily post. I’d much rather have written a poem or a short story; but this is very important. I’ve noticed that when it comes to running a self-exam for cancer, we’ve been told to check our breasts (women and men) or our testicles (men – of course). But rarely do we check our mouths for peculiar changes.
What are we searching for?
Lumps, bumps or unexplained lesions. Pre-cancerous signs range from swellings to white patches to painless ulcers. In fact, any change, especially if un-explained, warrants a closer look.
In the past year, I’ve picked up 6 lesions in patients’ mouths that have warranted further hospital investigation. This involves a biopsy to see if these are pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions.
It’s important to have regular checks with your dentist, as he/she will be able to check the soft tissues in your mouth- as well as your teeth and gums.
It may not occur to you to self-examine at home, but it’s important to be as familiar with your mouth as much as possible. Granted, your vision will be limited but an awareness of potential problems is essential. Investing in a mouth mirror will help with this excercise.
Where to look?
Your tongue- all sides, under your tongue, your inner cheeks and the roof of your mouth (palate).
Factors that can increase your risk of mouth cancer include:
- Tobacco use of any kind,
- Heavy alcohol use (here in the UK we encourage the use of alcohol-free mouthwashes)
- Excessive sun exposure to your lips,
- a sexually transmitted virus called human papillomavirus (HPV) and
- A weakened immune system
This is serious stuff, folks. Keep your dental appointments and look after yourselves!
– Vivian Zems
Daily Post- Peculiar
September 10, 2017 at 8:50 pm
I tend to be more aware of changes to my mouth than anywhere else … and I’m fortunate to have a very good dentist … I know a lot of folk who don’t see one at all … crazy!
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September 10, 2017 at 9:10 pm
Glad that you do👍
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September 10, 2017 at 8:54 pm
I envy you my friend oh man the pictures alone were scary, thank you for your service it doesn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated….
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September 10, 2017 at 9:09 pm
Aww- thanks, Cory!
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September 10, 2017 at 9:04 pm
A peculiar but warranted response. Thanks, Doc!
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September 10, 2017 at 9:08 pm
You’re welcome 😊. Thanks for stopping by!
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September 10, 2017 at 10:50 pm
I’m always afraid of going to the dentist heehee
Thanks for sharing ❤
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September 10, 2017 at 10:57 pm
Awww- all the more reason to go! Thanks for reading 🙂
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September 11, 2017 at 1:02 am
You just turned out to be the only dentist I like 🙂
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September 11, 2017 at 4:58 am
😂😂thanks, Walt!
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September 11, 2017 at 1:17 am
Have you ever read “the president is a sick man”? Totally apropos of your post today.
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September 11, 2017 at 5:08 am
Really? Show me the connection. Thanks for stopping by 😊
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September 11, 2017 at 1:34 pm
President Grover Cleveland underwent secret surgery for cancer of the mouth in 1893, with a team of 5 medical professionals performing the surgery on a boat on the Atlantic. The public was kept in the dark while he recuperated and for decades to follow, going so far as to vilify and slander a reporter who discovered the truth. “The president is a sick man” is a wonderfully detailed accounting of the President’s brush with a very dangerous illness – at a time when President Grant had recently died of oral cancer due to his cigar habit.
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September 11, 2017 at 1:57 pm
Ah! I see 🙂 Now I’ve learnt something new. thank you 🙂
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September 11, 2017 at 2:25 am
I forced myself to go to the dentist after 20 years three months ago. Thankfully with absolute luck not much needed 🙂 which my extreme phobia of dentists was exceptionally happy to hear. Those photos! Omg.
Lucky you picked up on those concerns with patients!
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September 11, 2017 at 5:02 am
Lucky you! You must be doing something right 😊. Glad you’re ok. Remember to floss only those teeth you wish to keep 😂😂
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September 11, 2017 at 1:22 pm
🤣 yes I floss my one tooth regularly
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September 11, 2017 at 1:55 pm
😂😂- this would be unprofessional of me if I didn’t think you were joking
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September 14, 2017 at 2:09 am
You’re right–something we don’t really think about. I had my 6 month dental check up yesterday!
Oral exams also make me think of when I was working on my Ph.D. (a long time ago)–first the written exam, and then oral exams. 🙂
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September 14, 2017 at 8:37 am
😂that’s where I got the title from. Those oral exams can kill😨😨
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September 14, 2017 at 12:18 pm
I’m happy that my first thought actually was what you meant. 🙂 Yes, those exams were terrifying–much worse than defending my dissertation!
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September 14, 2017 at 1:53 pm
Well, you survived it. Well done 🙂
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