Brighton Dental Centre - Brighton

Oral Cancer Screening in Brighton

Detect cancer early in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat by learning the signs and understanding your risk factors.
Call 613-701-9751

The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. While those over 45 are at higher risk, anyone should seek screening if they experience the following symptoms:

  • Discoloured patches in the mouth or on the lips (white or dark red)
  • Unusual lumps or changes in texture
  • Persistent canker sores, numb patches, or unexplained bleeding
  • Changes in taste, unusual tongue sensations, or difficulty swallowing

The Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

Certain behaviours and conditions can increase your risk of developing oral cancer, including:

  • Smoking or using tobacco products
  • Heavy alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco
  • HPV infection of the mouth
  • Excessive sun exposure
  • Poor diet or nutrition
  • Family history of oral cancer
  • Oral cancer is more common in men
  • History of leukoplakia (a whitish patch inside the mouth)

If you identify with any of these symptoms or risk factors, it’s important to consider regular screenings for early detection.

Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer

Spotting Early Signs of Cancer

Oral cancer screenings aim to detect cancer or precancerous conditions early. During the exam, your dentist will examine the inside of your mouth and under your tongue for red or white patches and sores. They’ll also feel the tissues in your mouth, throat, and neck for lumps or unusual textures.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If cancer signs are detected, further tests like biopsies, X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs may be required. Treatment plans, depending on the severity and type of cancer, may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

Prevention of Oral Cancer

You can reduce your risk of oral cancer by seeing your dentist regularly, avoiding tobacco, drinking alcohol in moderation, protecting your lips from UV exposure, eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and regularly checking your mouth for any signs of concern to report 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 risk factors for oral cancer, it’s a good idea to request a screening during your regular dental exam. If you notice any unusual discolouration, lumps, or sores in your mouth, schedule an appointment to have them examined.

Your dentist will inspect your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, and the inside of your mouth for any abnormalities. They’ll also feel for lumps or unusual textures in your mouth, face, jaw, throat, and neck.

Wash your hands and stand in front of a mirror. Check the roof of your mouth, lips, tongue, gums, and behind your lips. Use gauze or cotton to help grip your tongue and inspect the sides and underside. Feel the inside of your mouth with your fingers, looking for lumps, colour changes, or unusual textures. If you notice any sores that haven’t healed in two weeks, inform your dentist.

Early signs of mouth cancer can appear as small, flat, usually painless patches that may be red, white, grey, or yellow with red edges. These patches can develop anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, or roof of the mouth. It’s best to have any unusual changes checked by your doctor or dentist.

It’s recommended to include an oral cancer screening during your regular dental check-ups, at least once a year. This is especially important for people who have risk factors like smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, or a family history of oral cancer.

Early detection of oral cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment, with some estimates suggesting that screenings could detect as many as 80% of new cases early. When caught early, the treatment is less invasive, and the survival rate is much higher

Google Verified Patient Reviews

What a fantastic place. Not gonna lie I was skeptical at first as choosing a new dentist. It is a hard decision however I am so glad I chose Brighton Dental! Very clean, bright and spacious office. Well equipped. Staff is friendly and welcoming. Hygienists are very detail oriented and did a phenomenal job cleaning my teeth. Dentists are skilled and honest. I highly recommend this dental clinic.
More
Al Schmidt
1 month ago
I had a great experience at Brighton Dental Centre! Holly, my dental hygienist, was fantastic—gentle, thorough, and incredibly friendly. She made the whole appointment easy and comfortable. The entire office is welcoming, friendly and professional. Highly recommend Holly and the Brighton Dental Centre team!
More
Donna-Mae Ford
3 months ago
Brighton Dental is just simply a “family.” Everyone is warm friendly and happy to see you upon your arrival and their laughter is heard all day long as they go through their day! Happily they will do everything they can to accommodate you whatever your needs are.Quite discreetly if you need! I am a 77yr old woman and just love going there and who ever thought a dental apt could be such a rewarding experience!! Doesn’t get any better! A truely positive totally updated dental practice for Brighton!Their expert Drs and staff one of a kind, I feel very proud to be a client. Will recommend them to anyone. Brighton is blessed to have them. Hopefully forever! Donna-Mae
More
Jennifer Kelly
3 months ago
My 3 year old had his very first dental appointment today with Holly and Dr. Saxena. Holly was absolutely AMAZING, she made him so comfortable and when he left he actually said “I had so much fun at the dentist”. Dr. Saxena was very calm and thorough during his exam. It also helped that they had new dim lighting in the room which made him feel like he wasn’t at a doctors office and not so “scary”. He’s already looking forward to his next appointment!
More
Tiffany Leger
3 months ago
Great experience at Brighton Dental Centre! I transferred from a fancy Toronto dental centre with all the bells and whistles that constantly tried to upsell me... was all about the money. Was looking for a more down to earth approach and after checking out many businesses and their google reviews I landed in Brighton. Made the right choice! Have had two hygienists now and both were great. Nice atmosphere, no pushing, respectful of my choices... made me feel very comfortable. Highly recommend!
More
What a fantastic place. Not gonna lie I was skeptical at first as choosing a new dentist. It is a hard decision however I am so glad I chose Brighton Dental! Very clean, bright and spacious office. Well equipped. Staff is friendly and welcoming. Hygienists are very detail oriented and did a phenomenal job cleaning my teeth. Dentists are skilled and honest. I highly recommend this dental clinic.
More
Al Schmidt
1 month ago
I had a great experience at Brighton Dental Centre! Holly, my dental hygienist, was fantastic—gentle, thorough, and incredibly friendly. She made the whole appointment easy and comfortable. The entire office is welcoming, friendly and professional. Highly recommend Holly and the Brighton Dental Centre team!
More
Donna-Mae Ford
3 months ago
Brighton Dental is just simply a “family.” Everyone is warm friendly and happy to see you upon your arrival and their laughter is heard all day long as they go through their day! Happily they will do everything they can to accommodate you whatever your needs are.Quite discreetly if you need! I am a 77yr old woman and just love going there and who ever thought a dental apt could be such a rewarding experience!! Doesn’t get any better! A truely positive totally updated dental practice for Brighton!Their expert Drs and staff one of a kind, I feel very proud to be a client. Will recommend them to anyone. Brighton is blessed to have them. Hopefully forever! Donna-Mae
More
Jennifer Kelly
3 months ago
My 3 year old had his very first dental appointment today with Holly and Dr. Saxena. Holly was absolutely AMAZING, she made him so comfortable and when he left he actually said “I had so much fun at the dentist”. Dr. Saxena was very calm and thorough during his exam. It also helped that they had new dim lighting in the room which made him feel like he wasn’t at a doctors office and not so “scary”. He’s already looking forward to his next appointment!
More
Tiffany Leger
3 months ago
Great experience at Brighton Dental Centre! I transferred from a fancy Toronto dental centre with all the bells and whistles that constantly tried to upsell me... was all about the money. Was looking for a more down to earth approach and after checking out many businesses and their google reviews I landed in Brighton. Made the right choice! Have had two hygienists now and both were great. Nice atmosphere, no pushing, respectful of my choices... made me feel very comfortable. Highly recommend!
More

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