Oral Cancer Screening in Markham, ON

Many of us are or have been affected by cancer, and we strive to live a healthy lifestyle that would help avoid a diagnosis. Oral cancer may not be on everyone’s radar, but is an important type of disease to recognize. The more you know possible causes and symptoms, the more likely you can prevent them altogether.

As the name indicates, oral cancer can occur anywhere in or on your lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, palate, or the floor of your mouth. The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that 5,400 Canadians are diagnosed with oral cancer, and 1,500 die from it. Our Markham dental team conducts a comprehensive oral cancer screening of our patients at each dental checkup they have at our facility.

Risk factors

The good news is, some unmistakable behaviours act as risk factors for oral cancer, which you can minimize or eliminate. These include smoking or chewing tobacco, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, extended sun exposure, and diets lacking fruits and vegetables.

Some additional risk factors include:

Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Precancerous conditions
Previous cancer
Weakened immune system
Family history of squamous cell carcinoma

Schedule your next checkup at our office, including a complimentary oral cancer screening in Markham, ON. If you are concerned about possible signs and symptoms already developing, please contact us right away.

Signs and symptoms

At 7 Days Dental, we are very focused on oral care and devoted to helping you ensure the good health of your teeth, gums, and entire mouth. Our Markham family dentist knows the importance of screening for oral cancer, as your ability to recover from it is significantly greater if found in the earlier stages.

In addition to getting checked by a dental professional, there are important symptoms to know when you are on your own. Between dentist visits—and in general—it is helpful to monitor yourself for potential oral cancer signs. Take note of the following:

Abnormal white or red spots on your mouth or lips
Lumps on your tongue or lips or in your mouth
Mouth sores or ulcers that do not heal
Lingering mouth pain
Persistent earaches
Slurred speech
Thickening cheek flesh
Swollen lymph nodes or salivary glands
Possible swelling of your neck or jaw
Loss of sensation, or numbness, in your lips or tongue
Unusually loose teeth or ill-fitting dentures

There is an unfortunate chance that oral cancer can spread to other organs and parts of your body. In this case, a few other symptoms to consider are:

Difficulty or pain when chewing or swallowing
Difficulty or pain when moving your jaw or tongue
Inability to open your mouth completely
Loss of appetite
Weight loss

Neglecting possible signs and symptoms can put you at a greater risk for oral cancer. Since advanced cases can lead to excruciating circumstances, please do not delay getting screened—especially if you are suspiciously experiencing any of the above.

Common treatments

The sooner you are diagnosed if you have oral cancer, the faster you can receive proper treatment. When you visit 7 Days Dental for a checkup, we will conduct a comprehensive oral cancer screening in Markham, ON, that examines your mouth for possible signs. If any symptoms are detected, our dentist will refer you to an oncologist to discuss and develop a customized treatment plan. Some options may include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

Call or email our Markham dentist today to book your next checkup and oral cancer screening near you.