The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that in 2020, 5,400 Canadians will be diagnosed with oral cavity cancer and 1,500 will die from it.
Oral cancer occurs when there's an abnormal growth and spreading of cells in the mouth. It can affect various areas in the mouth, such as the lips, gums, tongue, and tonsils.
Here at Cool Dental in Lethbridge area, we perform oral cancer screenings to detect signs of cancer and irregularities in the mouth. The earlier the cancer is identified, the higher the chances of getting it cured.
Here's Joni, our Dental Hygienist, talking about oral cancer prevention and oral cancer screening.
Importance of Regular Oral Cancer Screening
Maintaining good oral health goes beyond keeping a good oral hygiene routine. Seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and oral cancer screenings are also crucial.
According to Dental Hygiene Canada, oral cancer is diagnosed three more times than cervical cancer and it also grows fastest among younger, sexually active individuals who don't often smoke or don't have the typical risk factors.
Oral cancer can take lives. But it can be treated successfully if diagnosed early. Your dentist can help detect early signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer screenings aren't for dental emergencies, alone. It's a part of routine dental hygiene check-ups and examinations.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening
Here's what you can expect from an oral cancer screening:
● Your dentist talks to you about symptoms you may be experiencing as well as your medical history.
● Next, your dentist performs a visual exam of your oral cavity, lips, the inside of your nose, face, and neck to look for signs of oral cancer. They check if there are any irregularities, bumps, patches of color, and swelling among many others.
● Your dentist may use tools to examine areas of the mouth that will otherwise be difficult to see, such as the roof of the mouth.
● Your dentist also performs a physical exam and uses their hands to feel for lumps and other abnormalities on your neck, jaw, head, and cheeks.
Using VELScope for Oral Cancer Screening
At Cool Dental, we use VELScope as a specialized tool for oral cancer screenings.
VELScope is a handheld device that uses blue light to identify suspicious and healthy tissues. It can also spot inflamed tissues, cancerous or pre-cancerous signs, and bacterial and fungal infections.
VELScope helps us detect mouth abnormalities that cannot be seen by the naked eye. It's simple, convenient, and easy-to-use.
Preventing Oral Cancer
To prevent oral cancer, it's important to:
- Brush and floss properly.
- Reduce alcohol intake.
- Quit smoking or using tobacco products.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure to your lips.
- Eat various healthy food daily.
- See your dentist regularly.
By making little lifestyle changes, you can minimize your risks of developing oral cancer.
Oral Cancer Screening in the Lethbridge area
Routine oral cancer screening can help save lives. Early detection increases both the success rate in treatments and survival rates. It also reduces the need for invasive procedures.
The process is quick and we're here to ensure your comfort every step of the way. If you'd like to know more about oral cancer screenings, please contact Cool Dental today at
We're happy to answer your questions and assist you in booking an appointment with the dentist.