As a family physician who has been practicing medicine for many years, I encounter a variety of conditions every day. Oral problems are particularly common, but unfortunately, many people don't take them seriously. In my busy office, I have witnessed many consequences of taking oral health lightly, and some of them have even developed into serious diseases. Today, I would like to share a true story about one of my patients, whom we call Mr. Lee.
Mr. Li is a secondary school teacher in his 40s who loves to socialize and often attends various parties. He has a bad habit – he smokes and drinks a lot, but pays little attention to his oral health. One day, while brushing his teeth, he noticed a white patch on his tongue that at first glance seemed unnoticeable, like a small scratch on his tongue. Mr. Li didn't pay attention to it, thinking that it might just be the result of eating hot food.
After a few months, instead of disappearing, this white spot became larger and began to make him feel uncomfortable. Eventually, with the persuasion of his family, he came to my clinic for a check-up. After a detailed examination and necessary tissue biopsy, Mr. Li was unfortunately diagnosed with early-stage oral cancer.
Specific symptoms explained: Vitiligo
Identification of vitiligo
First of all, these white patches are usually hard and cannot be scraped off. They may be smooth or slightly rough in appearance, and sometimes the surrounding tissue looks completely normal. It is important to note that these white patches should be alarmed if they are not painful or itchy to the touch.
The link between vitiligo and oral cancer
Studies have shown that a subset of patients with vitiligo will develop oral squamous cell carcinoma. This shift is not inevitable, but people with vitiligo have several times the risk of developing oral cancer than the general population. Therefore, the monitoring and management of vitiligo is particularly important.
When to seek medical help
If you find any spots in your mouth that match the description of vitiligo, especially if they persist for more than two weeks, you should make an appointment with your dentist or dentist for a professional evaluation as soon as possible. Your doctor may recommend a biopsy, which is a simple procedure to remove small pieces of tissue for detailed examination.
By regularly checking and being alert to any new or persistent oral abnormalities, we can drastically reduce the risk of oral cancer. This is especially important for smokers or people with other risk factors for oral cancer. Therefore, being alert and not taking any signals from your body lightly is a health principle that everyone should follow.
The importance of daily oral examinations
1. Why should I have regular dental check-ups?
First, an oral exam can detect potential health problems at an early stage. For example, the aforementioned vitiligo, which may be a precursor to oral cancer. Early detection and treatment can greatly improve the cure rate and reduce the pain and cost of treatment.
Secondly, regular dental check-ups can also help maintain oral hygiene and prevent common oral problems such as periodontal disease and tooth decay. Periodontal disease not only affects oral health, but is also associated with systemic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
2. How do I perform a self-dental check-up?
Self-examination is a simple but effective way to help you detect problems early. Do this at least once a month and the steps include:
Observation: Stand in front of a mirror and inspect your lips, tongue, roof and inside of your mouth for unusual spots, pain, or ulcers.
Touch: Gently touch each part of your mouth with clean fingers to feel for lumps or thickenings.
Contrast: Watch out for any changes in color, texture, or size, which may be a sign that further medical testing is needed.
3. The importance of visiting a dentist
In addition to self-examination, it is essential to visit the dentist at least once a year for a professional dental check-up and cleaning. Dentists can not only help you remove tartar, but also use specialized tools and techniques to examine areas that are difficult to see with the naked eye.
Remember, prevention is always better than cure. With regular dental check-ups, we can not only maintain oral health, but also prevent possible major problems in advance. Don't wait until symptoms appear in your mouth, it may be too late. Just as we care about the rest of our body, the mouth deserves our attention and protection.
Prevention and early diagnosis
1. Establish good oral hygiene habits
Good oral hygiene is the first step in preventing any oral disease, including oral cancer. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and use a fluoride toothpaste. When brushing your teeth, don't ignore the gum line and tongue, which are also hiding places for bacteria and food debris.
2. Floss
Flossing at least once a day can help remove food debris and plaque from the gaps between your teeth, which is an area that is difficult to reach by brushing. Flossing properly can help prevent gum disease, which is also linked to the risk of oral cancer.
3. Regular oral check-ups
Have a comprehensive dental exam at least once a year. If you're in a high-risk group, such as a long-term smoker or regular drinker, you may need more frequent checkups. Your dentist will check for any unusual symptoms inside your mouth, such as unusual pain, persistent mouth sores, or the appearance of new white patches.
4. Self-examination
Learning how to self-examine your mouth is an important skill. Regularly inspect the inside of your mouth, including the tongue, inside of your cheeks, and throat, in bright light. Look for any unusual changes, such as lumps, persistent sores or color changes. If you notice these symptoms, consult a professional immediately.
5. Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol
Avoid all forms of tobacco products and minimize alcohol consumption. Tobacco and alcohol are two major risk factors for oral cancer, and reducing their use can significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Through these steps, we can not only improve oral health, but also detect possible health problems early, so that appropriate treatment can be taken. Remember, early detection and diagnosis are the key to beating oral cancer.