The best prevention of oral cancer is early detection. At Haas Dental, our focus is on identifying oral cancer in its early stages. Many oral cancers have a high success rate of being treated, especially when detected, diagnosed, and treated early.

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, close to 58,500 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year, leading to over 12,250 deaths—approximately one person per hour, 24 hours per day.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer refers to cancerous growths that can develop in the cheeks, lips, tongue, throat, sinuses, or anywhere in the oral cavity. It is most commonly found on the floor of the mouth, but it can occur anywhere. As with most cancers, age is a primary risk factor, with most diagnoses occurring in individuals over 50. However, in recent years, oral cancer cases among younger populations, including teenagers, have increased, largely due to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Routine Oral Cancer Examinations

During your routine dental exam at Haas Dental, our North York dental team will check for signs of oral cancer, such as unusual sores, lumps, or red/white patches in your mouth. Regular, up-to-date examinations are essential for early detection and timely intervention.

To enhance our ability to detect abnormalities, we incorporate Velscope technology into our oral examinations. This quick and painless adjunctive test helps identify potential concerns at their earliest stages. We recommend annual screenings as part of your check-up visits.

Oral Cancer Risk Factors

It's also important to keep in mind some risk factors for developing oral cancer so you know what to avoid and what habits to change. These include:

• Tobacco and alcohol consumption
• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
• Excessive sun exposure
• A diet low in fruits and vegetables
• Weakened immune system
• Previous cancer
• Poor oral health

To reduce the risk of developing oral cancer, try to eat many fruits and vegetables, use sunscreen, avoid tobacco and alcohol, and stay up-to-date with dental examination appointments at Haas Dental.

Preventing Oral Cancer

To lower the risk of developing oral cancer, consider these preventive measures:

• Maintain a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Use sunscreen or lip balm with SPF to protect against UV exposure
• Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption
• Stay current with routine dental exams, including oral cancer screenings

If you have any questions about oral cancer or its screening, call us today at (416) 638-8999!