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
Apple Feona Dela Cruz - Coresis
1 month ago
The most pleasant and amazing experience I've ever had. The clinic is clean and beautiful. staff are kind and helpful. I appreciate how Dr. KOWTHEMI takes time to explain every detail, plan, or suggestion she has for my teeth. She's very informative and helped me understand things that were going on with my teeth and mouth. Her work is excellent and thorough. Dr. KOWTHEMI is patient, considerate, and gentle with me. I didn't feel any negative judgment from her, and that made me feel comfortable. Her hands were so light, and I could sleep while she's doing something in my mouth. My husband and I are now in good hands. Two 👍👍 and deserves ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Balan M
2 months ago
I recently visited Clanton Park Dental practice to adjust the denture, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. From the moment I walked in, the staff made me feel welcome and at ease. The office was clean and modern, which helped alleviate any anxiety I had about visiting the dentist. Doctor herself was incredibly professional and knowledgeable. She took the time to thoroughly explain each step of the process and answered all of my questions with patience and clarity. I really appreciated her attention to detail and commitment to ensuring my comfort throughout the appointment. In addition to the excellent care I received during my visit, I was also impressed by the efficiency of the practice. The appointment started right on time, and I didn't have to wait long to see the dentist. Overall, I will recommend Dr. Visaki and her team to anyone in need of dental care. They provide top-notch service in a welcoming and comfortable environment. I'll definitely be returning for all of my future dental needs.
anne mariz claveria
3 months ago
I was impressed by the warm welcome from all your staff and Dr. Visaki - she’s great. I also appreciate the time you took to answer my questions and provide me with valuable advice. My experience at your clinic exceeded my expectations, and I will not hesitate to recommend your services to family and friends. Thank you once again for your exceptional care.
Pawan
3 months ago
Clanton Park Dental Hospital exceeds expectations with its exceptional patient care, skilled and friendly staff, and state-of-the-art facilities. The welcoming atmosphere, combined with its commitment to dental excellence, makes it a top choice for comprehensive oral health. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking top-notch dental care.
Regie Ann Malapit
3 months ago
Clanton Park Dental is my first Dental clinic since i arrived Canada, and they meet my expectations.
I highly recommend this Clinic to everyone. The best experience with Dr. Visaki, she is knowledgeable and she explained very detailed regarding to my X-Ray and provide the best treatment. Dr. Visaki and their dental assistant are very gentle and they are making sure you are comfortable during the treatment.
And they also called me a day after my tooth extraction to asked if there's any pain or any uncomfortable feeling and I really appreciate it so much! Thank you!
The best👍👍👍👍
Apple Feona Dela Cruz - Coresis
1 month ago
The most pleasant and amazing experience I've ever had. The clinic is clean and beautiful. staff are kind and helpful. I appreciate how Dr. KOWTHEMI takes time to explain every detail, plan, or suggestion she has for my teeth. She's very informative and helped me understand things that were going on with my teeth and mouth. Her work is excellent and thorough. Dr. KOWTHEMI is patient, considerate, and gentle with me. I didn't feel any negative judgment from her, and that made me feel comfortable. Her hands were so light, and I could sleep while she's doing something in my mouth. My husband and I are now in good hands. Two 👍👍 and deserves ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
Balan M
2 months ago
I recently visited Clanton Park Dental practice to adjust the denture, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. From the moment I walked in, the staff made me feel welcome and at ease. The office was clean and modern, which helped alleviate any anxiety I had about visiting the dentist. Doctor herself was incredibly professional and knowledgeable. She took the time to thoroughly explain each step of the process and answered all of my questions with patience and clarity. I really appreciated her attention to detail and commitment to ensuring my comfort throughout the appointment. In addition to the excellent care I received during my visit, I was also impressed by the efficiency of the practice. The appointment started right on time, and I didn't have to wait long to see the dentist. Overall, I will recommend Dr. Visaki and her team to anyone in need of dental care. They provide top-notch service in a welcoming and comfortable environment. I'll definitely be returning for all of my future dental needs.
anne mariz claveria
3 months ago
I was impressed by the warm welcome from all your staff and Dr. Visaki - she’s great. I also appreciate the time you took to answer my questions and provide me with valuable advice. My experience at your clinic exceeded my expectations, and I will not hesitate to recommend your services to family and friends. Thank you once again for your exceptional care.
Pawan
3 months ago
Clanton Park Dental Hospital exceeds expectations with its exceptional patient care, skilled and friendly staff, and state-of-the-art facilities. The welcoming atmosphere, combined with its commitment to dental excellence, makes it a top choice for comprehensive oral health. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking top-notch dental care.
Regie Ann Malapit
3 months ago
Clanton Park Dental is my first Dental clinic since i arrived Canada, and they meet my expectations.
I highly recommend this Clinic to everyone. The best experience with Dr. Visaki, she is knowledgeable and she explained very detailed regarding to my X-Ray and provide the best treatment. Dr. Visaki and their dental assistant are very gentle and they are making sure you are comfortable during the treatment.
And they also called me a day after my tooth extraction to asked if there's any pain or any uncomfortable feeling and I really appreciate it so much! Thank you!
The best👍👍👍👍
