Smoking can cause cancer, especially lung and oral cancer. Carcinogen, such as nicotine, in a ciagarette can accumulate within the cells in the lung and the oral cavity. The effect can be slow and gradual. Often, it goes undetected because the changes may not cause any symptoms.
Dentist is one of the first line health professionals who can detect any changes within the oral cavity. This can be physical visual examination in combination of tactile palpating of the head and neck regions. Dentist can discover if there is any abnormality in the oral-facial region. Also dental X-ray radiograph such as panoramic radiograph can show the bone structure and the sinus airways.
If there is any abnormal changes, a further analysis such as brush biopsy and excisional biopsy can be performed.
Written by Daniel Tee, DDS, MS
Dental Office in Tempe AZ
Serving the city of Tempe, Chandler, Phoenix, Gilbert, and Mesa in Arizona. Practicing Family Dentist
