Oral cancer is a serious disease that can affect anyone, but with early detection, the chances of successful treatment increase significantly. As part of our commitment to comprehensive family dental care in Brampton, Smile Makers Dental Care includes a vital oral cancer screening as part of your routine check-up. We believe that monitoring your family’s oral health goes beyond just cleaning teeth; it’s about safeguarding overall well-being. In Ontario, head and neck cancers (including oral cancers) have shown an increase in incidence after a previous decline, making routine screening even more important today.

While 5-year survival rates in Canada are around 64%, this figure improves dramatically when the cancer is detected at an early stage.

Your family dentist plays a crucial role in identifying potential warning signs, often before you might even notice them yourself.

Understanding Your Risk: Oral Cancer Risk Factors

While oral cancer can affect anyone, certain factors increase the risk.

Being aware of these can help you understand the importance of regular screening, especially for yourself and adult family members.

Common risk factors include:

• Tobacco Use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, and using chewing tobacco or snuff are major risk factors.
• Heavy Alcohol Consumption: Frequent and heavy use of alcohol significantly increases risk, particularly when combined with tobacco.
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Infection: Certain strains of HPV, particularly HPV-16, are linked to a growing number of oral cancers.
• Age: Risk increases with age, with most cases occurring in people over 45.
• Sex: Men are more likely to develop oral cancer than women.
• Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can increase the risk of lip cancer [https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/oral-cancer].
• Poor Diet: A diet low in fruits and vegetables may increase risk.
• Weakened Immune System: Conditions or medications that suppress the immune system can contribute to risk.
• Genetics: Family history may play a role in some cases.

Even if you don’t have these risk factors, routine screening is essential because not everyone who develops oral cancer falls into these categories.

Know the Signs: Common Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Being vigilant and knowing what to look for between dental visits is also important.

Contact us or your dentist if you notice any of the following persistent signs or symptoms:

• A sore on the lip or in the mouth that doesn’t heal within two weeks.
• A white or reddish patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth.
• A lump or thickening in the cheek or neck that persists.
• Persistent mouth pain, swelling, or numbness in any area of the mouth, face, or neck.
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue.
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down.
• Bleeding in the mouth that is unexplained.
• Persistent hoarseness or a change in voice.

If any of these symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it’s crucial to have them examined by a dentist or doctor.

The Screening Process at Smile Makers Dental Care: Quick, Simple, Reassuring

Oral cancer screening at Smile Makers Dental Care is a fast, non-invasive part of your comprehensive dental examination.

Dr. Shetty and our experienced team are trained to look for early signs.

The screening process typically involves:

1. Visual Inspection: Your dentist will carefully examine all the tissues inside your mouth, including your lips, tongue, cheeks, floor and roof of your mouth, and the back of your throat. They are looking for any asymmetry, swelling, color changes, lumps, or irregular patches.
2. Palpation: Your dentist will gently feel the tissues in your mouth and neck, including under your jaw, to detect any lumps, swelling, or tenderness that might indicate an issue.

The entire screening takes just a few minutes and is completely painless.

It’s seamlessly integrated into your regular cleaning and exam appointment, ensuring you get this vital check without needing a separate visit.

What Happens After Your Screening

Immediately following the screening, your dentist will discuss their findings with you.

In most cases, no suspicious areas are found, and you can have peace of mind knowing you’re taking proactive steps for your health.

If an unusual area is detected, it doesn’t automatically mean cancer.

Many common and benign conditions can cause similar changes. If a suspicious area is found, we may:

• Ask you to return for a follow-up examination to see if the area changes or disappears.
• Recommend a simple brush biopsy to collect cells from the surface of the area for laboratory analysis.
• Refer you to a specialist for a more in-depth evaluation and potentially a surgical biopsy if necessary.

We will guide you through any necessary next steps with clear information and support, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed.

Prevention & Risk Aversion

Alongside regular screening, reducing exposure to known risk factors is the best way to prevent oral cancer.

This includes:

• Quitting smoking and avoiding all tobacco products.
• Moderating alcohol consumption.
• Getting vaccinated against HPV (discuss with your doctor).
• Protecting your lips from sun exposure with SPF lip balm.
• Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending regular dental check-ups.

Cost of Oral Screening in Brampton

Oral cancer screening is generally considered part of a comprehensive dental examination. While it’s a quick check, it requires the expertise of a trained dental professional.

Standard oral cancer screenings performed visually and by palpation are often included as part of your regular dental exam fee (which may be covered by dental insurance depending on your plan).

Some advanced screening techniques using specialized lights may involve an additional fee, typically ranging from $25 to $50, and these are usually not covered by standard dental insurance in Ontario.

We believe this small potential investment is invaluable for your peace of mind and health. We can provide specific fee details when you book your appointment.

Why Choose Smile Makers Dental Care for Your Family’s Oral Health in Brampton

At Smile Makers Dental Care, led by Dr. Seema Shetty with over 20 years of experience, we are dedicated to providing personalized, high-quality care for your entire family.

Our comprehensive approach means we don’t just treat problems; we actively work to prevent them and protect your overall health.

Integrating routine oral cancer screening into our family dental services reflects this commitment.

We strive to create a welcoming environment where you feel comfortable and confident in the care you receive.

Schedule Your Family’s Oral Cancer Screening Today!

Don’t delay this vital step in protecting your family’s health. Oral cancer screening is fast, easy, and potentially life-saving.

Make it a non-negotiable part of your family’s oral health routine.

Contact Smile Makers Dental Care in Brampton today to book your family’s next dental appointment.

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FAQs About Oral Cancer Screening

Q: How much does oral cancer screening cost in Brampton?

A: At Smile Makers Dental Care, a standard visual and manual oral cancer screening is typically included as part of your routine comprehensive dental examination fee. If any advanced screening technology were used (though not standard at our clinic for basic screening), there might be a separate fee, usually $25-$50, which is often not covered by standard dental insurance in Ontario. Please contact our office for precise fee information based on your planned visit.

Q: How often should I get screened for oral cancer?

A: For most adults, an oral cancer screening is recommended as part of your regular dental check-up, which is typically every six months. Your dentist will advise you on the appropriate frequency based on your individual risk factors. [https://odha.on.ca/your-oral-health/oral-cancer-examination/]

Q: Is the oral cancer screening painful?

A: No, oral cancer screening is completely painless. It involves a visual inspection of your mouth and gentle palpation (feeling) of the tissues in your mouth and neck. [https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21056-oral-cancer-screening]

Q: What are the main risk factors for oral cancer?

A: The primary risk factors include tobacco use (smoking and chewing tobacco), heavy alcohol consumption, HPV infection, age over 45, and being male. However, people with none of these risk factors can still develop oral cancer. [https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/oral/risks]

Q: What happens if the dentist finds something suspicious during the screening?

A: If a suspicious area is found, it does not automatically mean cancer. Many common conditions can cause similar changes. Your dentist will discuss the findings with you and may recommend observing the area, performing a simple brush biopsy, or referring you to a specialist for further evaluation and diagnosis.