The signs and symptoms of oral cancer
Oral cancer is characterized from abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue or throat. With early detection, oral cancers have a high rate of successful treatment. The people at the greatest risk for oral cancers are those over the age of 45 but regardless of your age, you should opt for oral cancer screening if you’ve experienced any of the following symptoms:
- Discoloured patches in your mouth or on your lips including white or dark red in colour.
- Unfamiliar lumps or unusual changes in texture.
- Canker sores that won’t heal, numb patches or persistent bleeding.
- Unusual feeling tongue, change in sense of taste and difficulty swallowing.
The risk factors for oral cancer
There are several behaviours and conditions that are associated with a higher risk of oral cancer. These include:
- Smoking or consuming tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco
- Heavy or moderately heavy consumption of alcohol (especially combined with tobacco)
- Possibility of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the mouth.
- Excessive exposure to the sun; a lifestyle that includes lots of sun exposure.
- A poor diet or poor eating habits.
- Family history of oral cancer.
- Oral cancer is more common in men than in women.
- A history of leukoplakia (a thick, whitish-colour patch that develops inside the mouth)
Prevention, detection and treatment of oral cancer
Treatment will be planned on a case by case basis and will heavily depend on the severity, type and location of the suspected cancer.Spotting early signs of cancer
The goal of an oral cancer screening is the early detection of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. During the exam, your dentist will look over the inside of your mouth and under your tongue for red or white patches or suspicious sores. Your dentist will also feel the tissues in your mouth to check for lumps or odd textures and may also feel the outside of your throat and neck for lumps.
Diagnosis and treatment
If signs of cancer are detected during your oral screening you may be asked to undergo additional testing such as a biopsy (where a small piece of the suspicious tissue is removed for lab examination) or imaging tests like Xrays, ultrasounds, CT scans or an MRI. To remove confirmed tumours, surgery or chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be necessary.
Prevention of oral cancer
You can take steps now to help prevent oral cancer later. To help reduce your risk of oral cancer see your dentist regularly for routine exams, stop using tobacco products and drink responsibly, be mindful of your exposure to direct sunlight and use U/V protective lip balms, eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and veggies and during your routine brushing and flossing rituals, remember to check your mouth for signs or symptoms so that you can report any concerns to your dentist.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any of the risk factors for oral cancer it’s a good idea to ask for an oral cancer screening at your regular dental exam. If you have discovered an unusually coloured or textured patch in your mouth or a lump or suspicious sore you’re encouraged to schedule an appointment to get it checked out.
Your dentist will examine your lips and the inside of your mouth including your cheeks, gums and all sides of your tongue. They will also carefully feel around for any lumps or unusual textures. The dentist may also feel your face, jaw, throat and neck for unusual lumps or tenderness.
Wash your hands with warm soapy water. In front of your bathroom mirror, you’ll want to examine the roof of your mouth, your lips, tongue and gums. Pull your top lip up and bottom lip down to see behind them. You may use a piece of gauze or a cotton pad to help you grip your tongue to check the sides and underside. Do your best to look at your gums, and use your fingers to feel the insides of your mouth. You’re looking and feeling for colour changes, lumps and bumps, unusual textures or tenderness. Let your dentist know if you have any sores that have not healed after two weeks.
Small, usually painless, flat patches that may appear red, white, gray or yellow with red edges. These small patches can affect any area of the mouth including the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue and the roof of the mouth. As a good rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to have anything that looks or feels unusual checked out by your doctor or dentist.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
Dave and Debbie
3 months ago
Julie cleaned my teeth today. She was wonderful. Very professional and clearly explained to me ways that would help me maintain a healthy mouth. Highly recommend her.
My dentist and the office staff are exceptional as well.
Aaron Miles
3 months ago
This team is incredible. Dr. Danyal was very informative and comforting in his expertise and experience during today's appointment.
My biggest phobia in life has always been "the dentist" thus, avoiding them has regrettably taken its toll on my teeth.
Now, I am having to do some extensive repairs and cosmetic upgrades.
This team has won me over. Not just by their outstanding customer service and professionalism, but mainly their integrity and approach.
I have been to other dentists that seem to simply want to stack, quickly add to an astronomical up comming bill without any concern to my personal situation.
Dustin, the office manager took the time to explain each process and suggested a timeline that was suitable to my other medical issues (diabetes) which has allowed for my body to properly heal. As well, as my anxiety 🙃.
Today I was greeted by Sarah (the dental assistant) whom could have easily been mistaken for the doctor with her ability to answer all.of my questions, layered with sunshine.
Thanks to the team at Cottage Country Dental for bringing back my smile. 😁
Deb
6 months ago
Dr Pag has been great, very professional really cares that the end result is perfect.
I recently had a crown done, had some issues, Dustin passed on my concerns and with no hesitation they had me in for a complete replacement to make it right.
Sarah was fantastic, very informative.
Would not hesitate to recommend the team.
Shel Neges
6 months ago
The staff was so friendly and supportive. They understand that seeing a dentist can be traumatic for some. They were thorough and compassionate, with wonderful insights and helpful tips. I would recommend this dental practice to everyone I know. As much as I dislike going to the dentist, I look forward to seeing them again!! Thank you for the amazing care!
Rhonda Way
6 months ago
This is the best dental office! I switched to this office from one I had gone to for years in Gravenhurst a few years ago. What a difference! It is well worth the drive! Everyone from the admin staff to the hygienists, assistants, and the dentists are extremely caring. I wasn’t used to such amazing treatment. I was just there again today to have some old fillings fixed and replaced. I take forever to freeze and they are WAY more understanding of that and truly care about their patients comfort. They take their time with you, check and re-check with you constantly to ensure you’re okay and even offer you a break if you need it. The office is bright, cheerful, clean and the rooms have a view of the trees. If you are even considering a switch give this office a try as I know you won’t look back! They are amazing with kids as well. My daughter’s last visit was awesome and she came out smiling and said she was vibing out with her hygienist as she let my kid pick the music as her teeth were cleaned. She also had extractions done there to prepare for braces and said it didn’t hurt at all! I would give this office a 6 out of 5 if I could. The only thing they are missing is the sliced cucumbers for your eyes because they make you feel so comfortable you might as well be at a spa! Go check them out and see what patient care should be! Thanks for taking great care of me and my family ❤️
Dave and Debbie
3 months ago
Julie cleaned my teeth today. She was wonderful. Very professional and clearly explained to me ways that would help me maintain a healthy mouth. Highly recommend her.
My dentist and the office staff are exceptional as well.
Aaron Miles
3 months ago
This team is incredible. Dr. Danyal was very informative and comforting in his expertise and experience during today's appointment.
My biggest phobia in life has always been "the dentist" thus, avoiding them has regrettably taken its toll on my teeth.
Now, I am having to do some extensive repairs and cosmetic upgrades.
This team has won me over. Not just by their outstanding customer service and professionalism, but mainly their integrity and approach.
I have been to other dentists that seem to simply want to stack, quickly add to an astronomical up comming bill without any concern to my personal situation.
Dustin, the office manager took the time to explain each process and suggested a timeline that was suitable to my other medical issues (diabetes) which has allowed for my body to properly heal. As well, as my anxiety 🙃.
Today I was greeted by Sarah (the dental assistant) whom could have easily been mistaken for the doctor with her ability to answer all.of my questions, layered with sunshine.
Thanks to the team at Cottage Country Dental for bringing back my smile. 😁
Deb
6 months ago
Dr Pag has been great, very professional really cares that the end result is perfect.
I recently had a crown done, had some issues, Dustin passed on my concerns and with no hesitation they had me in for a complete replacement to make it right.
Sarah was fantastic, very informative.
Would not hesitate to recommend the team.
Shel Neges
6 months ago
The staff was so friendly and supportive. They understand that seeing a dentist can be traumatic for some. They were thorough and compassionate, with wonderful insights and helpful tips. I would recommend this dental practice to everyone I know. As much as I dislike going to the dentist, I look forward to seeing them again!! Thank you for the amazing care!
Rhonda Way
6 months ago
This is the best dental office! I switched to this office from one I had gone to for years in Gravenhurst a few years ago. What a difference! It is well worth the drive! Everyone from the admin staff to the hygienists, assistants, and the dentists are extremely caring. I wasn’t used to such amazing treatment. I was just there again today to have some old fillings fixed and replaced. I take forever to freeze and they are WAY more understanding of that and truly care about their patients comfort. They take their time with you, check and re-check with you constantly to ensure you’re okay and even offer you a break if you need it. The office is bright, cheerful, clean and the rooms have a view of the trees. If you are even considering a switch give this office a try as I know you won’t look back! They are amazing with kids as well. My daughter’s last visit was awesome and she came out smiling and said she was vibing out with her hygienist as she let my kid pick the music as her teeth were cleaned. She also had extractions done there to prepare for braces and said it didn’t hurt at all! I would give this office a 6 out of 5 if I could. The only thing they are missing is the sliced cucumbers for your eyes because they make you feel so comfortable you might as well be at a spa! Go check them out and see what patient care should be! Thanks for taking great care of me and my family ❤️
