Oral Cancer Screenings In Kanata

Oral cancer is the 13th most commonly diagnosed cancer, according to the Dental Association. It can develop in any part of the mouth, internal or external – lips, tongue, cheeks, floor and roof of the mouth, sinuses, and throat. This is why routine checkups are so important. Routine checkups allow our dentist to thoroughly examine your mouth for early signs of development. While oral cancer is always a concern, you should know that it is rare. Unless you are actively using tobacco products, or have a gene pool that has a history of developing it, there is a very little chance you will experience anything close to oral cancer in your lifetime. However, it is never a bad idea to get your concerns checked at your next dental visit to our office. An oral cancer screening is a routine examination that is done at each dental visit. We educate our patients about the importance of following up with their medical doctor for any visual lesions, lumps, or bumps that may be observed during the screening.


The first step in screening for oral cancer is the completion of your dental and medical history, which includes a review of:


  •  General health history, including a list of current medications and allergies.
  •  Oral and lifestyle habits, with reference to quantity, frequency, and duration of tobacco use and alcohol consumption.
  •  Symptoms of oral pain or discomfort.


If anything is concerning, we may perform an extraoral and intraoral examination, where we:


  •  Inspect your head and neck for asymmetry, tenderness, or swelling.
  •  Palpate the submandibular, neck, and supraclavicular regions for lymph nodes, paying close attention to size, number, tenderness, and mobility.
  •  Inspect and palpate the lips and perioral tissues for abnormalities.
  •  Systematically inspect and palpate all oral soft tissues, paying close attention to the high-risk sites for the development of oral cancer including the lateral and ventral aspects of the tongue, floor of the mouth, and the soft palate complex.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer


It is important to note that while these symptoms may be caused by other, less serious oral health issues, they should still be checked by our office at your next routine visit. Common symptoms include, red or white spots or sores anywhere in the oral cavity, a sore that bleeds easily or does not heal, a lump, thickening, or rough spot, pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in your mouth or on your lips, or difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue. There are many other symptoms to lookout for, so it is always best to call us for an appointment if you experience or see anything alarming.

Sports Guards


If you take part in any contact sport or physical activity, you should always wear a sports guard to prevent injury to your face, teeth, and jaw. Oral injuries can occur at any age and as a result, it is crucial to stay protected when involved in contact sports.


Usually, we recommend acquiring a sport guard if you play sports such as football, rugby, hockey, or basketball, however, other sports such as baseball, cricket, and soccer have also been noted for patients to use a sports guard. You should also consider a sports guard if you take part in recreational activities such as skateboarding, cycling, or even track and field.

 

Sports mouth guards are beneficial because they help protect your teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues from any trauma that could occur during the activities. They can also help reduce the pressure that could occur from a forceful hit to the chin.


When acquiring a sports guard, be sure that the material is comfortable but secure, allows for normal breathing, provides full protection, and does not have an odor.

Night Guards


Many patients have found they suffer from headaches, TMD, sensitive teeth, or even eroded, chipped, or cracked teeth due to undiagnosed bruxism. This condition typically happens during the night, which is why many patients do not know if they have it. Although bruxism may not prompt any real concerns, in the long-term, it can lead to broken teeth, loss of tooth enamel, and potential tooth loss. However, once it is diagnosed, you can start wearing a night guard to help prevent further injury and pain. So, if you do grind or clench your teeth, a night guard will help protect your teeth and relieve tension that may occur.

 

There are a few different night guards that patients can purchase, such as a custom night guard, a boil and bite, and a one-size-fits-all. A custom night guard is made by a professional and is custom fit for your mouth using a dental impression. The boil and bite night guards are an over-the-counter guard which requires you to boil the piece of plastic to soften the material in order to make your impression. This night guard may not give you the maximum protection or comfort you are looking for but it is a quick fix (just not a long-term solution). A one-size-fits-all night guard is another over-the-counter guard which is not custom or form fitting. These guards may work for a brief period but are not suggested for the long-term as they may only help with occasional grinding.

We are the Kanata dentist near you!

A smile without teeth is just a grin

Request A Dental Appointment

We look forward to seeing you soon! Please note, we will do our best to accommodate your schedule. You can reach us on (613) 592-0615 or complete the form below.


We ask that you arrive to your appointment 15-minutes early.

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