Oral Cancer Cleaning
Worried about oral cancer? Talk to one of the qualified dentists at our Thornhill dental
Request An AppointmentEarly Oral Cancer Detection is The Best Prevention
Cancer screening plays an important role in the early detection of oral cancer; it allows patients to take action early and increase the chance for a cure. Many oral cancers have a high success rate of being treated, especially when diagnosed and treated early. Therefore, early detection of precancerous tissue can minimize or eliminate the potential effects of oral cancer.
Although dentists are known to care for teeth, gums and smiles, their expertise in oral health is key to our overall well-being. As professionals trained in medicine, dentists recognize the relationship between oral and overall health. Through a dental cancer screening, the dentist examines the mouth for any abnormalities that would be indicative of oral cancer.
-
What is oral cancer?
The term 'oral cancer' includes cancerous growths in the cheeks, lips, mouth, throat, sinus, tongue, or anywhere in the oral cavity. Typically, cells inside the mouth are quite resistant to harm. However, with repeated damage from smoking, alcohol or friction, areas inside the mouth may develop sores and pain where oral cancer can start.
Oral cancers are most commonly found on the floor of the mouth, side of the tongue and lips. However, oral cancer refers to all cancers of the oral cavity, and can be found at any of these locations:
- Lips
- Tongue
- Teeth
- Gums
- Roof of the mouth
- Floor of the mouth
- Area behind wisdom teeth
- Lining inside the lips and cheeks
-
Risk Factors
- Tobacco and alcohol use: Any form of tobacco has carcinogenic substances which significantly increase the risk for oral cancer. Excessive alcohol use can also increase the risk.
- Age: As with most cancers, age is the primary risk factor for oral cancer, as most people diagnosed with a form of oral cancer are over 55.
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV): This sexually transmitted infection has strong associations with several forms of oral cancer.
- Excessive Sun Exposure (especially of the lips): ultraviolet radiation from the sun can burn the lips and trigger the development of oral cancer.
Other risk factors include:
- Poor Oral Health
- Previous Cancer
- Family History of Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
- Diet Low in Vegetables and Fruits
- Weakened Immune System
-
Signs & Symptoms
Without an examination by a dentist, most early signs of oral cancer are difficult to detect. If you notice a mouth sore or anything out of the ordinary that does not go away or heal after a couple of weeks, discuss it with your dentist.
Other symptoms include:
- White or red patches (either on your lips, tongue, inside of your cheeks, on the roof or under your tongue)
- Growth of a lump on the tongue, lips, or the mouth
- Inner cheek lining becomes thicker
- Visible sore on your lip or in your mouth that does not seem to heal
- Loose teeth
- Numbness of the tongue or lips
- Swelling of the jaw
- Voice changes
- Pain swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Dentures that have become poorly fitting
How Can You Prepare for a Cancer Screening Session?
Oral cancer screening is performed during a routine dental exam. No special preparation is required for the screening.
Most patients underestimate the role their dentists play in their overall health and particularly how important a quick dental screening can be for disease prevention.
At Doncaster Dental Studio, we have a world-class professional staff who can make your smile as healthy as it is beautiful! Call us at (905) 597-1518 to book your appointment.
I was extremely impressed with the professionalism of Dr. Shawn and his well organized office team. Dr. Shawn does an incredible job of explaining what he is doing while working on your teeth. His demeanour helped me to relax and feel comfortable knowing he was using his exceptional expertise to repair my old teeth, which were previously filled by former dentists.
Doncaster is the best dental clinic that I ever been to. Shawn is an amazing dentist, I am his patient for more than 4 years and I never want to change. Also, all the staff is awesome! They really care about you. I recommend to everyone Doncaster clinic.
Dr. Shawn was able to diagnose and explain all necessary treatments quickly, procedure was done right away at very reasonable cost. Overall the clinic is amazingly clean and staffs are welcoming, very convenient location with plenty of parking spaces too.
Dr. Groyeski is a fantastic dentist and dental surgeon; he cares about the quality of the job, and he only touches your tooth if necessary. Fair price, New equipment, peaceful environment and easy underground parking make the experience delightful.
The entire dental team at Doncaster Dental Studio is friendly, professional, and very efficient. The receptionists are always very welcoming and happy to help. The dental hygienists and assistants are kind, caring and extremely knowledgeable.
The dental studio is clean and very comfortable. I don't like going to the dentist but when I do, this place is the one. I feel at ease and I highly recommend them!
Opening Hours
Monday
9AM - 6PM
Tuesday
9AM - 6PM
Wednesday & Thursday
9AM - 5PM
Friday
9AM - 4PM
Alternating Saturdays
9AM - 4PM
Sunday
Closed
Contact Us
Have a question or want to learn more? Drop us a line, we'd be happy to help. We are gladly accepting new patients from Thornhill and surrounding areas.
FREE WELCOME GIFT with an initial comprehensive exam and cleaning appointment!