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Protecting Yourself Against Oral Cancer | Ottawa Dentist

Cancer is an uncomfortable thing to consider, and for many around the world is a trigger for distress. Yet, the key to beating cancer commonly comes down to early detection. It’s important to understand the warning signs to look out for at home so you can consult with your dentist about your concerns as soon as possible. Please note the following is not an exhaustive list within any of these categories, but they are important to keep in mind.

Risk Factors

Unfortunately, our age and certain lifestyle choices do put us at a greater risk of developing oral cancer. Here are some factors that contribute to our relative risk:

  • Being genetically male
  • Being over 40 years old
  • People 18-39 who use tobacco, drink or have been diagnosed with oral HPV

Warning Signs

If any of the following symptoms lasting more than 7-10 days, please seek the advice of your doctor. Keep in mind that these symptoms may also present themselves in the absence of pain. Be mindful of changes that can be detected on the lips, inside the cheeks, palate, and gum tissue surrounding your teeth and tongue.

  • Reddish or whitish patches in the mouth
  • Sores that fail to heal and bleed easily
  • A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth
  • Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing

Risk Reduction

One of the best ways to mitigate risk is through regular visits to your dentist. Over half of the patients diagnosed with oral cancer later into its progression survive for more than five years, so its important to remain on top of potential warning signs for early detection. If you recognize yourself as being high risk for oral cancer according to the above list, you may consider increasing the frequency with which you visit your dentist.

Here are some other ways to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer:

  • Avoid all tobacco
  • Avoid or reduce alcohol intake
  • Consume more fruits and vegetables
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure that can result in cancer of the lip
  • Avoid exposure to environmental hazardous materials
  • Conduct a self-exam monthly
    • Use a small hand-held mirror so you can see the back of your mouth and tongue. If you notice something concerning, reach out to your dentist for a second opinion.

Oral cancer is serious and can happen to anyone, but if you keep this information in mind, you can mitigate your risk. Continue to attend your regular cleanings and reach out to your dentist with any concerns you may have; you may just catch a warning sign of oral cancer early, allowing you to intervene before it gets worse.

Schedule your appointment today. Call Dr. Katia Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.urbandentalcentre.com.

Dr. Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

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Start the Year Off with an Oral Cancer Screenings | Ottawa Dentist

While our health is on top of mind with resolutions, why not check if you have oral cancer? Below is a list of possible symptoms associated:

  • Swellings, lumps or rough spots in your mouth, neck or jaw. If they do not disappear after 3 weeks, you could be developing mouth cancer.
  • Ulcers or red or white patches. If they have a velvety texture, this is a telltale sign, especially if the patches do not heal in 3 weeks.
  • Difficulty in chewing and swallowing, moving the jaw or tongue. If this occurs, it is important to take prompt action and get it checked by a doctor.
  • Sores in the mouth, neck and face. If they have begun to bleed persistently, and do not heal within 2 weeks, they need to be checked as they are also symptoms of oral cancer. Another symptom of oral cancer is constant bleeding in your mouth that cannot be explained.
  • Loss of feeling or pain in areas. If you find that you notice this on your mouth, neck, face and ear, oral cancer could be developing.
  • Chronic sore throat. In the early stages, the sore throat can also be accompanied by a lump in your throat.

If you find you have any of these symptoms, our office has the VELscope® system to help us identify, evaluate, monitor and mark any abnormal or suspicious oral cell lesions.

So how does it work? A low intensity fluorescence light from the handheld light source will then bounce off the abnormal cells, giving them a “glowing” effect all the way down to the basement membrane where the nuclei have been rendered more prominent, making abnormal cells easier to see than with a traditional exam.

Schedule your appointment today. Call Dr. Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.urbandentalcentre.com.

Dr. Katia Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

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The Three Most Common Dental Problems in Canada | Ottawa Dentist

We all try to do our best to keep our smile as healthy as we possibly can, but we aren’t always the most
regimented of soldiers. And because of those slip-ups, we develop dental issues. The problem is, we
aren’t capable of diagnosing these types of issues – that is for the dental professional and why we need
to keep our dental appointments. Because the longer we delay getting treatment, the worse the
condition gets. The following are the most common dental issues Canadians currently have and how to
prevent them from happening:

Oral cancer. According to the Canadian Dental Association, 5,400 Canadians and 1,500 will die from the
affliction. Those are some scary odds. Because oral cancer can develop in the gums, lips, cheeks, tongue,
and roof & floor of the mouth, it can spread to the jaw and lymph nodes. Because regular use of
smoking and alcohol is a common cause, minimizing these bad habits will help, especially when you get
regular checkups.

Gum disease. Another very common dental issue is gum disease, something that affects 7 of every 10
Canadians within their lifetime. Gum disease generally develops from poor dental hygiene practices.
When you ignore your smile, you develop plaque which is where gingivitis occurs, and eventually leading
to tooth loss. Avoid this by brushing twice a day for two minutes, flossing and keeping your dental
cleaning visits.

Tooth decay. When it comes to the little ones, cavities are the most common dental issue. Bacteria is
formed and its acid eats away at your teeth, making the holes we know as cavities. Poor dental hygiene,
and copious amounts of sweets and carbohydrates are the main cause of this malady, so make sure to
look after your smile.

Schedule your appointment today. Call Dr. Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.urbandentalcentre.com.

Dr. Katia Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

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Oral Cancer: Signs and Symptoms | Ottawa Dentist

When we hear the “C-word”, we are always sent into a state of shock. Because there are so many factors that can contribute to developing oral cancer, so knowing some of the signs and symptoms you should keep an eye out for can help to diagnose the problem quickly and find some type of treatment. If you find that you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your dental professional to get a proper examination.

Lumps and lesions. If you notice red or white sores on or inside your mouth, it’s important to see a dentist as they will have difficulty healing, making it a perfect bed for bacteria, etc. Finding lumps or swollen areas in your throat or cheeks can cause painful issues closing your mouth.

Dysphagia. Dysphagia, or problems swallowing, will not only cause problems breathing but can also cause you to contract infection. If you feel a lump in your throat, or you find you are losing weight because of issues swallowing, make an appointment.

Numbness. Any numbness in the mouth or chin is cause for concern, so if you find this is a new constant, it’s time for an examination.

Tooth loss. If you find that you have loose teeth for no apparent reason, you may be developing early signs of oral cancer. Tooth decay and gum disease are signs you may be subject to oral cancer in the future, so see a dentist asap.

Bad breath. There are many reasons you have bad breath. If you find that it is a chronic problem, seek advice from your dental professional.

If you would like more information about oral cancer, call Dr. Katia Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.lesplanadedental.com.

Dr. Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.

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You Can Run, but You Can’t Hide | Ottawa Dentist

If you’re like most of us, before your teeth cleaning is time for a college cram session worth of dental hygiene. While cavities and plaque build-up may be what’s on your mind before a teeth cleaning, your dentist is looking for a whole lot more. Often, diseases will first be identified by the dentist during a regular examination. And unfortunately, can discover all of your bad habits. So, when coming up with “proof” you’re taking care of your teeth, think again…

Poor flossing habits. Sorry, but you can’t fool your dentist into thinking you floss daily by doing so the night before or morning of your visit.

Pregnancy. Nearly 40% of women will develop gingivitis during their pregnancy because of the changes in hormones. Some women will develop a deep red lump on their gums, but it’s completely benign and will go away after the pregnancy is over.

Thumb sucking. Children that suck their thumbs past the age of seven or eight may show significant changes to their bite or the position of their teeth.

Bad breath. Dentists are trained to identify different smells in breath as various scents can mean various health issues that may not have been diagnosed.

Eating disorders. Bulimia exhibits a very distinct pattern of tooth wear. Acid reflux and the use of antidepressants or mood-elevating drugs reduce the amount of saliva, also causing acid damage.

Oral cancer detection. Oral cancer symptoms: unexplained bleeding, white, red, or speckled patches, a change in the way your teeth fit together, swellings, thickenings, lumps or bumps or eroded areas on the mouth.

Soda & energy drinks. Teeth can be softened by sodas and other sugary beverages, making teeth more susceptible to chipping. Energy drinks are more acidic than soft drinks, causing even more damage to tooth enamel.

If you would like more information about dental examinations, call Dr. Katia Doumit in Ottawa, Ontario at 613-232-8000 or visit www.lesplanadedental.com.

Dr. Doumit proudly serves Ottawa and all surrounding areas.