Today, the New York Times Sunday Magazine section carried an advertisement  sponored by the American Dental Association.  The Ad was about the simmpliciyt of the new Brush Biopsy technology.

 Six Points for
Oral Cancer Self Examination

Look at and palpate your:

1. Head and Neck Examine your face and neck in a mirror. Look for any lumps, bumps, or swellings that are only on one side of your face.
2. Face – Notice the skin on your face. Are there any color or size changes, sores, moles, or growths?
3. Lips –

• Pull your lower lip down and look inside for any sores or color changes.
• use your thumb and forefinger to feel the lip for lumps, bumps, or changes in texture. Repeat with your upper lip.

4.Cheek –

• Use your fingers to see your cheek when you look inside. Check for red, white, or dark patches. Put your index finger on the inside of your cheek and your thumb on the outside.
• Gently squeeze and roll your cheek between your fingers to check for any lumps or areas of tenderness.
• Repeat this on the other cheek.

5. Roof of the Mouth - Tilt your head back and open your mouth wide to see if there are any lumps or if the color is different than usual. Run your finger on the roof to feel for lumps
6. Floor of the Mouth and Tongue –

• Stick out your tongue and look at the top surface for color and texture.
• Gently pull your tongue forward to look at one side first and then the other. Look for any swellings or color changes.
• Examine the underside of your tongue by placing the tip of the tongue on the roof of your mouth.
• Look at the floor of your mouth and the underside of your tongue for color changes that are very different from what is normal.
• Gently press your finger along the underside of your tongue to feel for any lumps or swellings.

If you find something suspicious -- especially if it does not resolve within in two weeks, Call us Yellow Springs Dental Care (767-7731)--- we will see you immediately to put your mind at rest.