by Rana Baroudi
Dr. Baroudi is a Board Certified Periodontist. She has successfully passed the American Board of Periodontology oral and written examinations covering all phases of periodontal disease, its treatment and dental implants. She is also an Associate Clinical Professor of Periodontology at UCSF where she enjoys teaching and lecturing on a bi-monthly basis.
Learn MoreRegular periodontal maintenance visits are crucial for maintaining healthy gums, teeth, and overall oral health. However, these visits aren’t solely focused on your gums—they also offer an essential opportunity to screen for oral cancer, a potentially life-threatening condition if not identified early. Periodontists like Dr. Rana Baroudi advocate strongly for regular oral cancer exams during routine periodontal appointments, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.
This article will explore why integrating oral cancer screenings into your periodontal maintenance routine is important, how the exam is performed, and the benefits of routine screening in maintaining your oral and overall health.
Oral cancer refers to cancers of the mouth, tongue, lips, throat, and surrounding areas. While it’s relatively rare compared to other cancers, oral cancer can become extremely serious if not identified and treated early. Early detection through routine oral cancer exams is one of the most effective ways to combat this disease.
Common risk factors for oral cancer include:
Understanding these risk factors underscores why integrating oral cancer screenings into regular periodontal check-ups is essential, especially if you have one or more of these risks.
Routine periodontal visits occur typically every three to six months, offering an excellent opportunity for your dental provider to perform comprehensive screenings. During these maintenance appointments, periodontal specialists like Dr. Baroudi closely examine your mouth, gums, and throat, naturally making these appointments ideal for incorporating regular oral cancer exams.
Since early-stage oral cancers are often symptomless, a thorough oral examination performed regularly by a periodontist can detect subtle changes long before you might notice them yourself.
An oral cancer exam is quick, painless, and can be easily performed during your routine periodontal maintenance visit. Here’s what typically occurs:
Your periodontist begins by visually inspecting your lips, mouth, tongue, gums, throat, and cheeks for any unusual signs or symptoms. They look specifically for abnormal coloration, patches, sores, or lumps.
After the visual check, your periodontist will gently feel your oral tissues, jaw, neck, and lymph nodes for lumps or abnormalities not visible to the eye. This careful palpation helps detect deeper or less visible changes indicative of oral cancer.
In certain cases, periodontists like Dr. Baroudi may utilize specialized tools, such as advanced oral cancer screening devices employing fluorescent light, to further detect abnormalities invisible under normal lighting.
If any suspicious areas or lesions are identified, your periodontist will advise further testing, typically involving a biopsy performed by an oral surgeon or specialized provider.
Integrating oral cancer exams into your periodontal maintenance schedule provides numerous significant benefits:
Oral cancer caught in its earliest stages is far more treatable and has a considerably better prognosis. Routine screenings dramatically improve your chances of identifying oral cancer early, leading to more successful treatment outcomes and a significantly higher survival rate.
Regular screening reduces anxiety by ensuring that your oral health is closely monitored. Knowing you’re regularly screened can provide substantial comfort and confidence in your long-term oral health strategy.
Because screenings can be seamlessly integrated into regular periodontal visits, you don’t need separate appointments. This convenience ensures you maintain consistent, thorough monitoring of your oral health without additional hassle.
Although routine oral cancer screenings provide proactive protection, knowing common symptoms empowers you to recognize warning signs between appointments. Symptoms that should prompt an immediate evaluation include:
If you notice any of these signs, scheduling an immediate evaluation with Dr. Rana Baroudi or your dental professional is crucial.
In addition to regular oral cancer screenings, there are proactive steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk:
Periodontists like Dr. Rana Baroudi play a crucial role in the early detection of oral cancer. Their specialized training in periodontal health makes them uniquely capable of identifying subtle changes or abnormalities in oral tissues. Regularly scheduled periodontal visits offer routine opportunities to assess your oral health comprehensively, providing effective protection against oral cancer.
If oral cancer screenings haven’t yet been integrated into your regular periodontal maintenance visits, it’s time to speak to your provider about doing so. Regular screenings are simple, efficient, and highly beneficial, especially if you have risk factors like smoking, alcohol use, or a family history of cancer.
At Cambrian Periodontics, Dr. Baroudi emphasizes the importance of comprehensive care. By integrating regular oral cancer exams into periodontal maintenance appointments, patients benefit from convenient, thorough, and proactive care.
Oral cancer is serious but manageable when detected early. Integrating regular screenings into your periodontal visits offers peace of mind, convenience, and most importantly, a proactive way to maintain oral and overall health.
If you’d like to learn more about incorporating oral cancer exams into your routine periodontal care or to schedule your next periodontal maintenance appointment, contact the office of Dr. Rana Baroudi today. Ensuring your oral health through regular screenings is one of the best decisions you can make for your long-term health and wellbeing.
