Oral cancer may not be as frequently discussed as other forms, but its rising incidence—especially linked to HPV (human papillomavirus) in regions like Canada and the U.S.—makes it a crucial topic for us all. Recent initiatives from the Office of the Chief Dental Officer of Canada stress the importance of awareness and proactive measures in dental practices. Let’s dive into what you need to know about detecting and preventing this serious health risk.

Why Early Detection Is Key

A comprehensive visit to the dentist or hygienist should include a check-up that includes an oral cancer screening. This is more than just a precaution—it’s a vital part of a routine hygiene check-up at Living Wellness Dental and critical for maintaining your overall health and whole body wellness. During the screening, your dental professional will look for:

• Persistent Sores: Sores that don’t heal as expected and cause sustained discomfort.
• Unusual Lumps or Bumps: Noticeable lumps might appear on one side of the mouth or under the skin.
• Irregular Growth: Any growth that seems out of the ordinary and irregular.
• Changes in Lip Borders: The natural border of lips starting to fade or change in shape.
• Color Changes: Areas that are red, white, or have a spotty appearance.
• Swallowing Difficulties: Trouble swallowing that doesn’t go away or persistent discomfort in the throat.
• Depressions in Oral Tissue: Any sunken areas inside the mouth gums, cheeks, palate etc.

It’s interesting to note that abnormalities might not be painful or cause you too much discomfort, but they may represent a very real and significant risk. Early detection is one of the best ways to reduce the risk that makes these visual and physical checks at Living Wellness Dental all the more essential.

Self-Checks: A Simple Habit

One of the best things you can do for your health is to become familiar with the inside of your mouth. While brushing and flossing, take a moment to look for any changes or abnormalities. If you feel unusual discomfort or you spot something unusual, don’t panic. Salt water solutions are a great way to remedy common sores and infections in the mouth. However, if the no improvement is noticed over a few days, it’s time to consult your dentist. Catching potential issues early can make a big difference in treatment and outcomes.

What Puts You at Risk?

Several factors can increase your risk of developing oral cancer, some of which might surprise you:

• Tobacco Use: Any form of tobacco is a major risk factor to the soft tissues in the mouth and throat.
• Heavy Alcohol Use: Alcohol can irritate the cells in your mouth, potentially leading to degeneration of your overall oral health and possibly even cancer.
• Sun Exposure: Just like the rest of your skin, your lips need protection from harmful UV rays and are often forgotten about on trips to the beach, nature hikes and even on car or motorcycle trips.
• HPV: This sexually transmitted virus is a known risk factor for several types of cancer, including oral cancer.
• Weakened Immune System: Those with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to many forms of cancer, including oral cancer.

Simple Steps to Reduce Your Risk

Though there’s no guaranteed way to prevent oral cancer, there are steps you can take to lessen your risk:

• Quit Tobacco: Stopping tobacco use (or never starting) is one of the best choices you can make.
• Drink Responsibly: If you choose to drink, do so in moderation.
• Sun Safety for Your Lips: Use lip balm with a moderate Sun Protection Factor (SPF) at minimum, and wear protective hats.
• Regular Dental Checkups: A quick but thorough part of your dental check-up that shouldn’t be overlooked, no matter how busy you are is the oral cancer screening. At Living Wellness Dental our professionals utilize the VELscope, which is a tool that can enhance their ability to identify any irregularities of concern. If your goal is to obtain optimized health, regular visits to a hygienist who is trained to screen for oral abnormalities is vital.