Oral Cancer Screenings in Brampton, ON
Oral cancer screenings near you, are often not the first thing patients consider when visiting our dentist. In fact, many dentists perform these screenings without the patient being aware of it. At Bramwest Dental Office, we take care of your overall health as well as your oral health. During your exam, your dentist will look for signs of oral cancer and determine your need for help from a specialist.
Risk Factors of Oral Cancer
The risk of developing oral cancer has been linked to certain activities, such as smoking tobacco or drinking excessively regularly. Age and gender are also risk factors, as male patients and patients over the age of 40 are more at risk. Certain foods and medications may also affect your oral health and the chance of oral cancer developing. Patients that have been diagnosed with oral cancer or HPV in the past should remain diligent, as this may increase the chance of incurring the disease.
Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer
The earlier your dentist in Brampton, ON, can spot signs of oral cancer, the more likely treatment will be successful. During an oral health screening, your neck and face along with the inside of the mouth will be examined thoroughly. Your dental professional will look for abnormalities, discoloration, and anything else that may indicate oral cancer.
- Spots of white or red on the insides of the mouth
- Bleeding sores or spots that have not healed for 2 weeks or more
- Lumps or hard spots on the face, the neck, or inside the mouth
- Discomfort, pain, or numbness when chewing foods
To learn more about oral cancer screening, at Bramwest Family Dental, visit our dental clinic in Brampton or call us today to book an appointment and speak with a dental professional about your oral health. We can give you more information about your oral health status and perform an evaluation to look for signs of oral cancer. You will be referred to a specialist if any abnormalities are found so that treatment can begin as soon as possible and your chance of fighting the disease if it is diagnosed, is greatly increased.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Cancer Screenings in Brampton, ON
Your dentist looks for unusual changes in the lips, tongue, gums, inner cheeks, and other areas of the mouth. The examination may also involve feeling the jaw and neck for lumps or swelling. If an area needs closer investigation, further testing or a referral to a specialist may be recommended.
Oral cancer screening is often part of a regular dental examination rather than a separate appointment. How frequently you need an assessment depends on factors such as your medical history, tobacco and alcohol use, and any previous concerns. Your dentist can advise whether additional examinations are appropriate for your level of risk.
Yes. Oral cancer may cause no obvious discomfort in its early stages. Warning signs may include a sore that does not heal, red or white patches, a lump, or an unexplained change in the mouth. Since these changes are not always painful, dental visits provide an opportunity to notice areas that might otherwise go unchecked.
The screening usually takes only a few minutes during a dental visit. It involves looking at the tissues inside your mouth and, when appropriate, gently feeling the jaw and neck for changes. This examination is generally painless, with no anesthesia or special preparation needed.
Dentists can recognize changes that raise concern about oral cancer, but they cannot confirm the diagnosis through screening alone. If a sore, patch, or lump appears unusual, further assessment may be necessary. This could involve a specialist referral or a biopsy to examine a small tissue sample.
Bramwest Family Dental offers oral cancer screenings in Brampton, ON, as part of preventive dental care. Our team checks the mouth and surrounding tissues for changes that may need closer attention. If you have a sore that has not healed, an unexplained lump, or another oral concern, contact our dental office to arrange an examination.
