Why do dentist look under the tongue?

To look for swellings, ulcers, salivary gland issues or other pathologies that might have been painless to the patient hence gone unnoticed. They are not looking just under the tongue, they're also looking at the sides of the the tongue. read more

Most dentists and dental hygienists do a soft tissue cancer screen. More often than not, cancers that form under the tongue can go unnoticed for too long of a time and then successful treatment is difficult. This is why we look under the tongue. read more

"Often, the patient does not notice it because it starts as a small spot toward the back of the mouth or under the tongue and they don't have any symptoms," Cram says. Your dentist, dental hygienist, or periodontist will typically screen for oral cancer as part of a routine dental exam. read more

Your dentist can examine your oral tissues easily by looking at your lips and inside your mouth. He or she will check your gums carefully, the inside of your cheeks and your tongue (the sides and underneath). Also, the dentist will look at the roof and floor of your mouth. read more