Before we discuss the proper ways to brush your teeth, we need to see some useful tips about the brush and paste we use. The first important thing is to use a tooth brush with soft bristle. You need to replace your toothbrush every three months or even more frequently. There are many different types of toothpaste to choose from and it is recommended to consult your dentists about this. Remember that you need to apply only a pea size amount of toothpaste to the brush – you don’t need more. The toothbrush should be placed at a 45 degrees angle against the gums.

Dentists recommend the following brushing method: hold the brush at a 45 angle against the gums and brush the plaque in a downward direction. Don’t brush the gums all the way down but only on the upper part of teeth. This may not be very comfortable for many people but it is usually very beneficial.

The outer and inner surfaces of the teeth are brushed in the same way. The chewing surfaces however may be brushed back and forth. In order to brush the inside of the teeth on the lower front arch, you need to use the brush’s toe.

Dentists recommend to not use too much pressure because this can damage the gums. Don’t forget to brush your tongues because this will help you remove the unpleasant breath caused by bacteria.

Researchers divided nearly 9,200 adults aged 20 and up participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1999 and 2004 into three groups based on their consumption of omega-3 fatty acids. Consumption was assessed by asking participants to recall exactly what they’d eaten during the prior 24 hours.

Dental exams showed participants in the middle and upper third for omega-3 fatty acid consumption were between 23 percent and 30 percent less likely to have gum disease than those who consumed the least amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

Specifically, the researchers found that the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) were associated with less gum disease. The association with linolenic acid (LNA) was not statistically significant.

“Eating a very feasible amount of fatty fish seems to have a lot of benefit,” said senior study author Dr. Kenneth Mukamal, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. “But we found no benefits to eating tons of this stuff.”

Since the study was a snapshot of a single day’s diet, Mukamal said researchers could not determine exactly how much fish oil people should consume regularly. But following guidelines from major organizations such as the American Heart Association, which recommends eating fatty fish at least twice a week, is probably a good idea, not just for gum disease but for overall health, they noted.

“There are a lot of benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. We have good evidence they prevent sudden death caused by heart rhythm disturbances. We have some evidence omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke,” Mukamal said. “This is a great example of another potential benefit.”

In the study, researchers took into account other factors that could affect the likelihood of having gum disease, such as age, income, education and other health and socioeconomic factors.

The study is published in the November issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria that accumulate around the gum line, according to background information in the study. Over time, the gum tissue can recede and separate from teeth, leading to “periodontal pockets,” or spaces between the gums and the teeth, and loss of the bone that provides the supporting structure for the teeth.

About 54 percent of men and 46 percent of women over age 30 in the United States experience gingival bleeding, the earliest sign of periodontal disease, according to background information in an accompanying editorial.

In the general population, about 11 percent of adults aged 50 to 64 have moderate or severe periodontitis, rising to 20 percent of those over age 75. In the study, about 8.2 percent of participants had periodontitis.

The usual treatment of periodontitis is good dental hygiene, including manually removing bacteria during dental appointments and applying local antibiotics to kill the bacteria, though there is disagreement among dentists about how well local antibiotics work.

In an accompanying commentary, Elizabeth Krall Kaye, a professor in the department of health policy and health services research at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, said the study supports incorporating fatty fish into one’s diet, but not necessarily fish oil supplements.

“The study is interesting in that they studied a large population, and they saw some benefit just from consuming moderate amounts of omega-3 fatty acids,” Kaye said.

Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids include sardines, mackerel and swordfish, along with some nuts and seeds such as walnuts and flax seed.

source:   http://news.health.com/2010/10/26/fish-oil-might-help-fight-gum-disease/

The toddler had 16 teeth. Despite his young age, four of the teeth were so decayed that they needed dental crowns.

This toddler‘s parents didn’t realize how important baby teeth are, says Beverly Largent, DMD, the Paducah, Ky., dentist who cared for the child. Largent says she tells parents it’s crucial to care for baby teeth. “You need to brush from the first tooth,” she says.

Although this case may sound shocking, it’s not rare, says Largent, the past president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. In fact, tooth decay — although largely preventable with good care — is the one of the most common chronic diseases of children ages 6 to 11 and teens ages 12 to 19. Tooth decay is five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever in children, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

By kindergarten age, more than 40% of kids have tooth decay.

Neglecting baby teeth is not the only misstep parents can make when it comes to their child’s early oral health.

Here’s your 7-step game plan.

Start Oral Care Early

Your child should see a dentist by the time he’s a year old, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Getting preventive care early saves money in the long run, according to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The report found that costs for dental care were nearly 40% lower over a five-year period for children who got dental care by age one compared to those who didn’t go to the dentist until later.

Teach the Brush & Floss Habit

Dental visits are just part of the plan, of course. Tooth brushing is also crucial from the start.  ”A lot of people think they don’t have to brush baby teeth,” Largent says. If your baby has even one tooth, it’s time to start tooth brushing, she says. “If there’s just one tooth, you can use gauze.”

Even before your baby has teeth, you can gently brush the gums, using water on a soft baby toothbrush, or clean them with a soft washcloth.

Once there are additional teeth, Largent tells parents to buy infant toothbrushes that are very soft. Brushing should be done twice daily using a fluoridated toothpaste.

Flossing should begin when two teeth touch each other. Ask your dentist to show you the right flossing techniques and schedules, Largent says.

Also ask your dentist’s advice on when to start using mouthwash. “I advise parents to wait until the child can definitely spit the mouthwash out,” says Mary Hayes, DDS, a pediatric dentist in Chicago and consumer advisor for the American Dental Association. “Mouthwash is a rinse and not a beverage.”

So how long until Junior can be responsible for brushing his own teeth? “[Parents] have to clean the teeth until children are able to tie their shoes or write in cursive,” says Largent, echoing traditional advice given to parents by dentists.

During dental visits, ask your dentist if your child’s teeth need fluoride protection or a dental sealant.

Avoid “Baby Bottle Decay”

A balanced diet that provides adequate nutrition can help promote healthy teeth. Many nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium and others, are essential to oral health. The food pyramid is your best guide.

Along with eating a healthy diet, it’s smart to limit snacking. The flow of saliva cleanses the mouth and teeth, removing cavity-promoting foods. But “if you snack all the time, you expose your teeth again and again to foods that can erode enamel,” says Anthony M. Iacopino, DMD, PhD, dean of the University of Manitoba Faculty of Dentistry.

The best advice to prevent cavities? Limit your eating to three meals a day, says Iacopino. If you snack, reach for a food that’s less likely to cause tooth decay.

What are your best choices? Here’s the latest on foods to choose — and foods to avoid — in order to keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright.

Foods to Avoid for Healthy, White Teeth

Sugary drinks: When bacteria in the mouth break down simple sugars, they produce acids. These can erode tooth enamel, creating pits where cavities can form. Sugary drinks, including soft drinks and fruit drinks, consist almost entirely of simple sugars.

“Because people tend to sip them, sugared beverages may raise acid levels over a long period of time,” says Steven E. Schonfeld, DDS, PhD, a dentist in private practice and spokesperson for the American Dental Association. “Carbonated drinks are especially bad for teeth, since carbonation increases acidity.” Some studies have singled out sports drinks as the worst offenders for eroding enamel.

Candy and highly-sweetened snacks: Most candies are loaded with sugar, which increases acid levels from bacteria in the mouth. Sticky and gummy candies pose the biggest threat, since they adhere to teeth, making it hard for saliva to wash them away.

Some starchy foods: Starches also raise acid levels from bacteria in the mouth, eroding tooth enamel. Starchy foods include breads, pastas, rice, and potatoes.

The more refined or cooked a starch, the more likely it is to raise acid levels in the mouth. Raw starches in the form of vegetables tend not to endanger tooth enamel.

Sugary breakfast cereals: Foods that contain a mixture of sugar and starch should be avoided. Snacks such as ready-to-eat breakfast cereal, pastries, and many processed foods may be bad for teeth. The combination of starch and sugar is more likely to get stuck in plaque between teeth.

Coffee, tea, and red wine: Sweetened tea or coffee raises acid levels, weakening enamel. And because they are often sipped slowly, acid levels may remain high over a longer period of time, raising the danger. Coffee, tea, and red wine also tend to stain teeth.

Hidden Threats to Your Teeth

Teeth are strong and resilient. But teeth with root canals or fillings are often weakened. Biting down on something hard can cause them to crack or fracture. To avoid trouble, don’t chew ice. Be careful eating olives or fruits that contain pits. Sometimes even  foods that have been pitted retain a stray pit. Avoid unpopped popcorn kernels, as well.

Foods to Choose for Healthy, White Teeth

Water: The best thirst quencher is also the smartest choice for your teeth. Water helps wash acid-producing foods from the mouth.

Sugar-free drinks: If you like your water sweetened, choose sugar-free drinks. Because sugar-free drinks wash acid-producing food from the mouth, they may help reduce cavity risk.

Sugar-free chewing gum: Chewing gum increases the flow of saliva, which helps neutralize acids in the mouth, protecting tooth enamel. The flow of saliva also washes food out of the mouth, limiting the amount of time it is in contact with teeth. Sugar-free chewing gum is also a good  choice when you crave something sweet.

Citrus fruit: Although it is acidic, citrus fruit increases saliva flow. In fact, research shows that oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruit tend to protect tooth enamel. Because citrus fruit contains a lot of water, it also helps wash away acid-producing bacteria.

Cheese and milk: Cheese and milk protect tooth enamel and ward off cavities in several ways. First, they  encourage saliva production, which neutralizes acids in the mouth. The protein, calcium and phosphorous in cheese and milk also buffer acids, protecting enamel from erosion. Studies suggest that cheese and milk may even help strengthen the protective minerals in teeth surfaces.

Fish and flax: By far the biggest threat to healthy teeth is gum disease. It occurs when bacteria collect in pockets. This causes inflammation that can damage the connective tissue anchoring teeth to bone. Foods that reduce inflammation may protect against gum disease.

Omega-3 fatty acids are the most potent anti-inflammatory nutrients. This form of fat is found in fish, fish oil, and flaxseed. “People who consume diets high in omega-3s are more resistant to inflammation and infection,” says Iacopino. “We also think they may be more resistant to gum disease.”

Cocoa: Good news for chocoholics: Substances found in cocoa appear to dampen inflammation and may help protect against erosion and decay. Even chocolate milk, although it contains some sugar, doesn’t seem to increase the risk of cavities compared to snacks like cookies, chips, and raisins. Dark chocolate is a good choice, since it is lower in sugar than milk chocolate.

source:  http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/foods-stain-crack-teeth?page=2

“Just as white, straight teeth convey youth, a smile with crooked, discolored, worn, or missing teeth is associated with an aged look,” says Edmond Hewlett, DDS, professor of restorative dentistry at UCLA’s School of Dentistry. “The adage ‘long in the tooth,’ used to describe older persons, reflects the fact that gum disease causes gums to recede and teeth to appear longer as a result.”

Keeping a youthful mouth comes down to two simple, proven, and practical steps:

• Brush and floss daily
• See your dentist every six months

“Taking the time to brush and floss is what’s needed,” says Anthony M. Iacopino, DMD, PhD, dean of the dentistry faculty at Canada’s University of Manitoba, professor of restorative dentistry, and an American Dental Association spokesman. “Brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist is so easy to do, it’s not expensive, and everyone should be doing it.”

What’s Stopping You?

“Folks don’t take oral health seriously,” says Samuel Low, DDS, MS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology and professor emeritus of periodontology at the University of Florida.

“They take their looks seriously and the smile is a priority, but people don’t think about their gums. Brushing takes time, and flossing is one of the most difficult habits. Only 25% of people floss and I don’t think people see the benefits,” says Low, who estimates that it takes two to three minutes per day to floss properly, but “these days, people are crunched for time.” Low is a stockholder in Florida Probe Corporation, a dental technology company.

Looks aside, there’s another reason to make time for dental care. If you don’t, it could affect your health.

Inflammation, Periodontal Disease

Inflammation can happen when bacteria and debris, such as bits of food, enter the blood vessels around the teeth. Inflammation is your body’s response to such invaders. And if it happens over and over again, you could wind up with long-term (chronic) inflammation.

“The mouth is one of the major contributors to high levels of inflammation in the body,” says Iacopino, who has consulted for Colgate and Johnson & Johnson.

Chronic inflammation is linked to chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease. It’s not clear if the inflammation causes those diseases or is a marker of some other cause. But either way, it’s not a good sign.

Then there’s periodontal disease, which affects 80% of Americans. It’s caused by extensive bacterial buildup along the gums and teeth. Periodontal disease is the top cause of tooth loss.

Bacterial buildup, inflammation, tooth decay, and periodontal disease happen quietly and slowly. That’s why so many people don’t know it’s happening.

When done consistently and correctly, brushing and flossing reduce bacteria or plaque buildup. That helps prevent inflammation and gum disease.

Stained Teeth

Smoking and drinking, particularly red wine and coffee, can stain your teeth and affect how old you look.

Tooth whitening — over-the-counter and in dentists’ offices — has become increasingly popular in the U.S. and is often marketed as a way to look and feel younger.

Experts say although artificial whitening can temporarily improve a smile, you still need consistent brushing, flossing, and routine dental care to have a lasting impact on how well you age.

Of course, you need to do more than brush, floss, and see your dentist to stay young. Your entire lifestyle matters. “If you want to slow down your aging clock, getting enough sleep, a healthy diet, exercise, and keeping down your levels of inflammation are all key,” Iacopino says.

Hewett agrees. “The fact remains that there are no shortcuts to getting and staying healthy, and oral health is no exception,” he says.

source:  http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/dental-tips-for-looking-younger

Here’s what happens to teeth as we age — and what you can do to keep your teeth strong and sparkling for a lifetime.

Preventing Acid Erosion

By far the biggest threat to teeth is sugary and starchy food. These carbohydrates ferment, causing the bacteria in the mouth to produce acids. Those acids can quickly eat away at the enamel of teeth.  As a result, this creates tiny pits where tooth decay can form.

Most of us assume that sugary candy is the worst offender. But sweetened carbonated beverages, such as colas, can be even more dangerous, since carbonation increases acid levels in the mouth. Some recent studies have singled out sports drinks as a particular threat to tooth enamel.

What to do:

• Go easy on sugary foods, especially carbonated soft drinks and sports drinks.
• Avoid frequent snacking, which causes acid levels in the mouth to remain high over an extended time.
• If you get a craving for something sweet, chew sugarless gum. Chewing increases saliva production, which helps cleanse the mouth and neutralize acidity.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes and floss daily. Daily dental hygiene reduces bacteria levels in your mouth.
• See your dentist every six months for a regular checkup that includes removing plaque buildup.

Preventing Mechanical Wear and Tear on Your Teeth

The function of teeth is mostly mechanical — to mash and grind and otherwise break up food to make it more easily digested. For the most part, our teeth are resistant to cracks and chips.

“Contrary to what many people assume, teeth do not become more brittle with age,” says Steven E. Schonfeld, a private practice dentist and spokesperson for the American Dental Association. “Still, we see patients all the time who have cracked or chipped a tooth biting down hard on something like an olive that still has a pit or a kernel of unpopped popcorn.”

Teeth that have fillings or root canals are particularly vulnerable, since they don’t have the strength of structurally intact teeth.

Another problem that causes wear and tear is the habit of grinding or clenching teeth. Called bruxism, it is frequently caused by stress or anxiety. Over time, bruxism can wear down the biting surfaces of teeth, making them more susceptible to decay.

What to do:

• Avoid chewing ice and other very hard foods.
• Double-check to make sure that pitted foods have no pits before you bite down on them.
• See your dentist regularly. He or she can spot cracked or broken fillings that may weaken teeth. Your dentist will also check for signs of bruxism. In many cases, people who grind or clench their teeth aren’t aware of the habit or the damage they are doing to their teeth. If you show signs of bruxism, your dentist may recommend a mouth guard that can be worn at night to prevent grinding.

Preventing Stains on Your Teeth

Certain foods — especially coffee, tea, and red wine — can stain teeth. Tobacco, both smoked and chewed, also discolors teeth. For the most part, stains are a cosmetic issue. “But stains typically form where there is organic build-up, or plaque, on teeth, so it’s important to have them removed as part of a regular checkup,” says Iacopino.

What to do:

• Avoid foods that stain teeth.
• Brush regularly to remove plaque buildup, which will help your teeth resist stains.
• Have your teeth cleaned professionally every six months.  Your dentist or dental hygienist can remove plaque and tartar that a toothbrush can’t reach.

If you still aren’t satisfied with the color of your teeth, talk to your dentist.  Toothpastes and bleaching systems can whiten teeth, and home bleaching kits are also available. Be sure to follow the directions for use. Overused, the chemicals can irritate gum tissue. Overuse can also lead to teeth that are unnaturally white.

Preventing Gum Problems

By far the biggest threat to healthy teeth is gum disease. The risk of gum problems increases with age, especially as pockets form at the gum line where bacteria can grow. Left untreated, bacterial infections can cause inflammation that damages connective tissue and even bone, leading to tooth loss.

What to do:

• Brush and floss regularly to remove bacteria.
• For added protection, use an antibacterial mouthwash.
• Go to your dentist for a regular checkup every six months. This is particularly important for detecting gum disease early. “Although there are symptoms of gum disease that can serve as early warning signs, by the time they appear it’s often too late to reverse the disease process,” says Sam Low, DDS, president of the American Academy of Periodontology.
• Since gum disease is an inflammatory process, eating foods that suppress inflammation may help. Growing evidence suggests that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help dampen inflammation, says Iacopino. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish, fish oil, and flaxseed.

Preventing Dry Mouth as You Age

Called xerostomia, dry mouth can drastically increase the risk of decay and gum problems. A healthy flow of saliva helps clean teeth and neutralize acids that otherwise eat away at the tooth enamel.

“Saliva flow doesn’t necessarily decrease with age. But as many as 800 different drugs cause dry mouth as a side effect,” says Iacopino. “Many of these are medications people take as they get older.”

What to do:

• A drop-off in saliva levels can very quickly cause problems. So at the first sign of dry mouth, talk to your doctor.
• A change in prescriptions may help alleviate the problem. If not, your doctor may recommend chewing sugar-free gum. Gum increases saliva flow.
• Saliva-like oral mouthwashes are also available.

source:   http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/teeth-gums-age

Pregnancy

One of the most common dental problems associated with pregnancy is a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis, which usually occurs during the first trimester. Symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis are usually bleeding, swollen, red and tender gums.

Good oral health during pregnancy could also be important to your fetus. Some researchers have suggested that the serious stage of gum disease, periodontitis, could cause premature birth and low birth weight.

The tips listed here can help you maintain good oral health throughout your pregnancy.

• Visit your dentist for regular check ups and cleanings. This is the best way to make sure that you are maintaining good oral hygiene.
• Brush your teeth properly at least twice a day to remove plaque.
• Floss your teeth daily. Flossing will remove food debris from in between the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach.
• Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse. Antimicrobial mouth rinses can help prevent gingivitis.
• Brush or scrape your tongue daily to help remove bacteria.
• Eat nutritious meals and healthy snacks.

Now that you know what to do to protect your oral health, sit back, relax and enjoy this beautiful time in your life.

source:  http://dentistry.about.com/od/dentalfactsfaqs/a/ohpregnancy.htm

10. Maintaining Good Dental Health is Easy

Some people think that having good dental health takes too much effort. Seeing your dentist for regular dental check ups and cleanings, brushing twice a day, flossing daily and eating a nutritional diet are the key factors in having healthy teeth and gums. Now, what’s so hard about that?

source:   http://dentistry.about.com/od/dentalhealth/tp/dentalfacts.htm

Excess stress may give you a headache, a stomachache, or just a feeling of being “on edge.” But too much stress could also be doing a number on your mouth, teeth, gums, and overall health.

The potential fallout from stress and anxiety that can affect your oral health includes:

• Mouth sores, including canker sores and cold sores
• Clenching of teeth and teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Poor oral hygiene and unhealthy eating routines
• Periodontal (gum) disease or worsening of existing periodontal disease

So how can you prevent these oral health problems?

Mouth Sores

Canker sores — small ulcers with a white or grayish base and bordered in red — appear inside the mouth, sometimes in pairs or even greater numbers. Although experts aren’t sure what causes them — it could be immune system problems, bacteria, or viruses — they do think that stress, as well as fatigue and allergies, can increase the risk of getting them. Canker sores are not contagious.

Most canker sores disappear in a week to 10 days. For relief from the irritation, try over-the-counter topical anesthetics. To reduce irritation, don’t eat spicy, hot foods or foods with a high acid content, such as tomatoes or citrus fruits.

Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are caused by the Herpes simplex type 1 virus and are contagious. Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that often appear on or around the lips, but can also crop up under the nose or around the chin area.

Emotional upset can trigger an outbreak. So can a fever, a sunburn, or skin abrasion.

Like canker sores, fever blisters often heal on their own in a week or so. Treatment is available, including over-the-counter remedies and prescription antiviral drugs. Ask your doctor or dentist if you could benefit from either. It’s important to start treatment as soon as you notice the cold sore forming.

Teeth Grinding

Stress may make you clench and grind your teeth — during the day or at night, and often unconsciously. Teeth grinding is also known as bruxism.

If you already clench and grind your teeth, stress could make the habit worse. And, grinding your teeth can lead to problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), located in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet.

See your doctor and ask what can be done for the clenching and grinding. Your dentist may recommend a night guard, worn as you sleep, or another appliance to help you stop or minimize the actions.

source:   http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/healthy-mouth-and-body-9/stress-teeth

About Oral Cancer

The term oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth and the pharynx, part of the throat. About two-thirds of oral cancers occur in the mouth and about one-third are found in the pharynx.

Oral cancer will be diagnosed in an estimated 35,000 Americans this year and will cause approximately 7,500 deaths.

Oral cancer can spread quickly. On average, 60 percent of those with the disease will survive more than 5 years.

Oral cancer most often occurs in people over the age of 40 and affects more than twice as many men as women.
Lower Your Risk

Most oral cancer is preventable. 75 percent of oral cancers are related to tobacco use, alcohol use, or use of both substances together. Using both tobacco and alcohol puts you at much greater risk than using either substance alone.

Do not use tobacco products — cigarettes, chew or snuff, pipes or cigars. Tobacco in all forms plays a role in oral cancers.

If you drink alcohol, do so only in moderation. Excessive alcohol use can increase your risk of oral cancer.

Use lip balm that contains sunscreen. Exposure to sunlight is a risk factor for lip cancer.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables as part of a low-fat, high fiber diet may help reduce cancer risk. The National Cancer Institute suggests eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
Possible Signs & Symptoms

See a dentist or physician if any of the following symptoms lasts for more than 2 weeks.

* A sore, irritation, lump or thick patch in your mouth, lip, or throat
* A white or red patch in your mouth
* A feeling that something is caught in your throat
* Difficulty chewing or swallowing
* Difficulty moving your jaw or tongue
* Numbness in your tongue or other areas of your mouth
* Swelling of your jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable
* Pain in one ear without hearing loss
Early Detection

It is important to find oral cancer as early as possible when it can be treated more successfully.

An oral cancer examination can detect early signs of cancer. Oral cancer exams are painless and quick — and take only a few minutes.

Your regular dental check-up is an excellent opportunity to have the exam. During the exam, your dentist or dental hygienist will check your face, neck, lips, and entire mouth for possible signs of cancer.

Some parts of the pharynx are not visible during an oral cancer exam. Talk to your dentist about whether a specialist should check your pharynx.

source:   http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/OralCancer/OralCancer.htm