Oral exams, observations of the mouth, are typically performed by a dentist or medical doctor, however, preventive measures can be taken at home to reduce side effects of cancer treatment, secondary cancers, or primary diagnosis of oral cancers. Self-tests performed at home with very few tools can help decrease symptoms and alert you and your team of doctors of any abnormalities. These self-tests include observing the face, neck, lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, floor, and roof of the mouth. Before performing a self oral exam, follow the sequence above of what to look at and notice anything that is not normal for your mouth. The resources below can help you get started on self oral exams.

​

​

For more information about the oral examination, see these resources:

​

• Self Examination - Mouth Cancer Foundation

• 4-minute Oral Cancer Screening - Eva Grayzel

​​

You may also wish to learn about:

​​

• Finding & Financing Oral Healthcare

• Nutrition During Cancer Care

• Tooth Decay

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

• Radiation Therapy

• Chemotherapy

​

More information regarding the following topics will be coming soon:

​

• Importance of Good Oral Health Before, During, and After Cancer Care​

​​