Your Next Dental Visit Could Detect or Prevent Oral Cancer
At Chinook Mall Family Dental Clinic we believe early detection and prevention is key to a lifetime of good oral health. Your dental visit is not just ensuring that your teeth and gums are in fine form but is also an opportunity for Dr. Charchuk to thoroughly examine your mouth for any signs of Oral Cancer.
Oral Cancer is more common than most may think and according to Canadian Cancer Statistics, 3 people die from Oral Cancer here in Canada each day. Although age, smoking and excessive alcohol use are leading risk factors for oral cancer, 25% that suffer from the disease have no risk factors. This makes your six-month dental checkup that much more imperative.
Your screening for oral cancer is quick and easy and is usually performed at the beginning of your dental checkup. During this time your dentist will be looking for red, white or grey areas, any tenderness, lumps and abnormalities. Cheeks and gums will be inspected inside and out, top to bottom, back to front. The floor and roof of your mouth will be checked and under the tongue as well the lymph nodes in your neck and jaw. You will also be asked about your lifestyle and any medications you are on that could affect the condition of your head, mouth or neck area.
Changes tend to occur in the mouth before the cancer develops. It is important that you recognize the warning signs of oral cancer so you can bring them to the attention of your dentist right away.
Symptoms of Mouth Cancer Can Include
- A visible mass or lump that may not be painful
- An ulcer that won’t heal
- A persistent blood blister
- Bleeding from the mass or ulcer
- Loss of sensation anywhere in the mouth
- Trouble Swallowing
- Impaired tongue mobility
- Difficulty moving the jaw
- Speech changes such as slurring or lack of clarity
- Loose teeth and/or sore gums
- Altered taste
- Swollen lymph glands
How You Can Take an Active Role to Help Prevent Oral Cancer
- Quit Smoking
- Eliminate or reduce the use of alcohol
- Protect your skin from sun exposure. Apply SPF sunscreen to any exposed skin including your lips. Lip balm with high SPF rating can be used to protect your lips.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially those with high concentration of antioxidants such as grapes, apples, watermelons, mangoes, berries, onion, garlic, pumpkin, eggplant, tomatoes, broccoli, etc.
- Take care of your mouth by brushing and flossing regularly
- Visit the dentist for regular check ups
- Consult a doctor immediately if you observe any symptoms developing
At our South Calgary Dental Office we remain vigilant for signs of potentially malignant disorders and oral cancers when performing oral examinations. With National Oral Health Month approaching in April, our team wants to extend to our patients the message – That we care about your overall well-being. Your oral health is a crucial part in this and we dedicate ourselves to giving you a beautiful smile while promoting long lasting health.
