“You have cancer.” No one wants to hear this dreaded statement, of course. Cancer comes in different types since it is a disease of the cells in the body. We have different types of cells in the body and so different types of cancer can arise from those cells. However, all cancer types have something in common: the cancer cells are abnormal and they multiply aggressively.
What is mouth cancer?
Mouth cancer is a cancer that can develop in any part of the mouth including the gums, the tongue, the palate (roof of the mouth), under the tongue, and in the skin lining of the mouth, or the lips. It is also known as oral cancer. It used to be uncommon but nowadays, many cases are diagnosed each year – many of these cases are diagnosed by dentists and dental pathologists rather than doctors.
What causes this cancer?
It only takes one abnormal cell to cause a cancerous (malignant) tumour to start. The exact reason as to why a cell becomes cancerous is unclear. Studies say that something alters or damages certain genes in the cell – this makes the cell abnormal and causes it to multiply aggressively. Some people even develop mouth cancer for no apparent reason, but there are certain risk factors that increase the chance of mouth cancer from developing. These are:
*Alcohol – Excessive alcohol consumption can increase your risk of developing mouth cancer.
*Smoking – Just like other cancers, mouth cancer has a much higher incidence in smokers compared to non-smokers. This is also applicable for those who chew tobacco.
*Poor dental hygiene
*The human papillomavirus (HPV) might increase your risk of mouth cancer
*Dietary factors – eating a well-balanced diet that is high in vegetables, fruits and fish, and low in cholesterol can reduce the risk of oral cancer
What are its symptoms?
The most common symptom of this type of cancer would be a sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal. In some cases, changes are seen in the mouth even before the cancer develops. This means that early treatment of these changes might prevent a cancer from developing. Other symptoms include:
*Red or white patches anywhere in your mouth
*A lump on the lip, mouth, tongue or throat
*Unusual bleeding or numbness in the mouth Learn more about contact our Pickering dental office.
*Pain when chewing or swallowing
*Loose teeth feeling uncomfortable and not fitting properly
*Weight loss
*A lump in the neck
*Change in your voice or speech problems
Note: Of course, all of these symptoms could be innocent and might be directly linked to other conditions. Any ulcer or sore that does not heal after three weeks should be checked and examined by Dr. Marvin Lean or one of his Associates at Pickering Square Dental. Schedule up an appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. .
Helpful Resources
For more information, visit the Canadian Dental Association Oral Health.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I visit the dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.
Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.
What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?
We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.
About Dr. Marvin Lean, DDS
Dr. Marvin Lean, DDS, is the owner and lead dentist at Pickering Square Dental. With decades of experience in family and laser dentistry, Dr. Lean is also the official dentist of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is a member of the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) and the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). Dr. Lean and his team provide comprehensive dental care including sedation dentistry, dental implants, emergency dental care, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Scarborough, Oshawa, and Markham.
