During your routine dental exam your dentist gains information that can help you maintain far more than a healthy smile. By examining your mouth & understanding your medical history, your dentist helps you maintain good oral health - which is critical to your overall health & well being. We can't easily see what is going on inside our own mouths, but your dentist can. He has the medical training & the expertise to detect & diagnose a wide range of medical conditions associated with the mouth, including oral cancer. In many cases your dentist can provide the appropriate treatments in the office.

WHAT IS ORAL CANCER?

 Oral cancer starts in the cells of the mouth from sores or painful areas damaged by repeated injury from smoking, alcohol or even friction. Oral cancer accounts for 2.3% or more than 3000 of all new cancer cases in Canada each year. In 2002, it accounted for 1.5% of all cancer deaths in Canada - more than either melanoma or cervical cancer.

A sore on the lip or in the mouth that does not heal.
A lump on the lip or in the mouth or throat.
A white or red patch on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth.
Unusual bleeding, pain or numbness in the mouth.
Difficulty or pain with chewing or swallowing.
Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable.A sore on the lip or in the mouth that does not heal.
A lump on the lip or in the mouth or throat.
A white or red patch on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth.
Unusual bleeding, pain or numbness in the mouth.
Difficulty or pain with chewing or swallowing.
Swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable.
A change in the voice and / or pain in the ear.