Did you know that oral cancer is the 13th most common type of cancer in Canada?

Researchers found that in 2013, an estimated 4,100 people in Canada were diagnosed with the disease. However, there are many things that everyone can do to reduce the risk of developing oral cancer – detecting the disease early and making positive lifestyle choices

Smoking, drinking, sun exposure to the lips, and HPV are all known risk factors for developing oral cancer. These risk factors are avoidable and preventable and by modifying our lifestyle choices we can certainly reduce the risk.

In addition to these risk factors, it’s important that you watch for changes in your mouth and general signs of oral cancer to ensure that the disease is detected early:

• Alterations to the colour or texture of gums, cheeks or tongue
• Persistent mouth sores that do not heal within 14 days
• Chronic sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Lumps in the neck (even those that don’t bother you)
• Mouth or ear pain

At the Dundas Family Dental clinic, our dental hygienists are well educated and experienced with the signs and symptoms of oral cancer. During your appointment they can easily determine if the disease is present or not. It is very important that you schedule regular appointments every 6 months where our team can closely look at your dental health and address and resolve any dental health problems that you may not realize are existent.

Though oral cancer is a heavier topic, the great thing is that most cancers of the mouth can be treated if caught in time with the innovative developments in oral healthcare treatments. Nevertheless, it’s important to keep in mind the things you can do on a daily basis in order to reduce your risk – embrace a healthy lifestyle and maintain regular dental hygiene appointments that include oral cancer screenings.

If you have any questions regarding oral cancer screenings or other dental health questions don’t hesitate to contact our office – we will gladly answer any questions or concerns you may have!

An attractive smile can increase one’s confidence, sociability and sense of well-being. But behind a dazzling smile, maintaining healthy teeth and gums is just as important to prevent serious health conditions.

Untreated cavities can be painful and may lead to serious infections and gum disease. When plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, thickens on the teeth, it can harden into tartar and contribute to gum infections. Left untreated, gum disease can cause loss of teeth and risk of serious illness. Bacteria in plaque can travel from the mouth to the lungs, causing lung infections.

Poor oral health has also been linked to sleeping problems, behavioural and developmental problems in children, and can affect one’s ability to chew and digest food properly. Researchers are investigating possible links between poor oral health and heart disease and between poor oral health and women delivering pre-term, low birth rate babies.

While oral health is important at all ages, older adults may have less access to oral care services and dental professionals if living on fixed incomes without dental insurance. Seniors in long-term care facilities may be especially susceptible to complications from poor oral health because of frailty, poor health and increased dependence on others for personal care. In many cases, oral health problems in residents go undetected until there are acute symptoms, such as pain or infection.

The best defense is prevention by removing plaque every day with brushing and flossing before it can build up and harden into tartar. Regular checkups are also a proactive way to prevent dental health problems – before they even become a problem!

At our practice, we emphasize prevention. Regular checkups and excellent daily oral hygiene are the best defense against serious problems with your teeth and gums.