June 1, 2024

A Simple Oral Cancer Screening Can Change Everything

According to Dr. Judy Sturm & Associates taking care of your oral health goes beyond brushing and flossing twice a day. Regular dental checkups, including an oral cancer screening, is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile catching potential problems early on.

An oral cancer screening, a painless and quick procedure, can literally change the course of your life.

Dr. Judy Sturm, Dr. Janice Lo, and Dr. Vandana Jainani prioritize your well-being. Moreover, this team of dentists also integrates oral cancer screenings into every regular dental checkup.

Why Are Oral Cancer Screenings Important?

Oral cancer, which encompasses cancers of the mouth, tongue, lips, and throat, is a serious health concern. In addition it is one of the most deadly as well.

Your Yorkville dentist explains that early detection is paramount for successful treatment and also a better prognosis. Furthermore an oral cancer screening allows your dentist to identify potential issues in the earliest stages.

What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?

During your dental appointment at Dr. Judy Sturm & Associates, Dr. Judy Sturm, Dr. Janice Lo, or Dr. Vandana Jainani will perform a thorough examination of your mouth, throat, and neck. This painless procedure typically involves:

Visual Inspection: Your dentist will use a bright light and a small mirror to examine the inside of your mouth, checking for any abnormalities in the lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, and throat. Your doctor will be looking for red or white patches, sores, lumps, or any changes in the texture or color of the tissues.
Palpation: Your dentist will gently feel the tissues inside your mouth and neck to check for lumps or swelling.

In some cases, additional tests might be recommended, such as:

Brush biopsy: A painless procedure where a small brush is used to collect cells from a suspicious area for further examination.
Toluidine blue staining: A special blue dye is applied to the mouth, which may also adhere more to abnormal tissues, highlighting potential areas of concern.

Who Should Get Screened for Oral Cancer?

Your family dentist in Toronto recommends that everyone over the age of 18 gets screened for oral cancer regularly. However, certain individuals have a higher risk and may benefit from more frequent screenings. These include:

Smokers and tobacco users (including chewing tobacco)
Heavy alcohol drinkers
Individuals with HPV (human papillomavirus) infection
People with a weakened immune system
Those with a family history of oral cancer