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As family dentists, we understand that oral cancer screenings and cancers of the mouth might sound scary to some, which is why we’re breaking it all down in this blog post. As it turns out, oral cancer screenings are nothing more than a simple inspection of your mouth, tongue, and gums for any indication of oral cancer. This is included in your general dentistry check up as a proactive measure to ensure that no signs or symptoms or oral cancer are going unnoticed or untreated.

At Trillium Dental in Ottawa, we provide each and every one of our patients with comprehensive dental care, from routine teeth cleanings to cosmetic, restorative, and sedation dentistry procedures. For us, this means taking all the preventative measures we can to reduce your risk of developing oral health problems like gum disease, cavities, jawbone deterioration, and oral cancer. That being said, here is what you need to know about the signs and symptoms of oral cancer.

ORAL CANCER IS DISCREET AT FIRST

The troubling thing about oral cancer is that it can develop without causing the person any pain or discomfort, meaning that it can go unnoticed for quite some time. Given that oral cancer takes the form of small white or red patches, it can be misconstrued as cold sores or canker sores, leading some people to believe that it will eventually go away on its own. Experienced dentists and dental hygienists will be able to identify these patches as oral cancer, so it is incredibly important to schedule regular appointments at your local dental clinic where they can inspect your mouth for signs of the disease.

SYMPTOMS OF ORAL CANCER

Once oral cancer progresses, the signs and symptoms will become more clear. Indications of oral cancer include:

• Patches — One of the first signs of oral cancer is the emergence of small white and red patches along the inside of the mouth. These patches can form anywhere in the oral cavity, but the most common areas are the inside of the lips, the cheek tissue, the front of the tongue, the floor and roof of the mouth, the tonsils, and along the gumline.
• Mouth sores — Once oral cancer starts to form, it can develop into visible mouth sores that sting to the touch (also known as mouth ulcers).
• Swelling — Unlike the kind of swelling that happens when you bite your cheek or tongue, swelling from oral cancer can last for weeks or even months.
• Lumps — Sometimes, oral cancer takes the form of lumps in the oral tissue or thickened lining of the mouth.
• Loose teeth — Given that oral cancer attacks the mouth and surrounding structures, the gumline can become weak, causing teeth to become loose or fall out in more advanced stages.
• Pain — Victims of oral cancer will experience painful chewing, tongue and jaw pain, a sore throat, discomfort when swallowing, and persistent pain in the back of the neck or ears.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

As with other types of cancer, everyone is at a different risk of developing oral cancer. While some genetic factors and syndromes are at play, the oral disease is highly linked to specific genders and ages, as well as lifestyle choices. Some of the factors that put people at a higher risk of developing oral cancer are:

• Being a man — Unfortunately, men are twice as likely as women to develop oral cancer, according to WebMD, the American Cancer Society, and other medical sources. While the reason for this is still being debated, it is believed that as a group, men are more likely to consume tobacco and alcohol.
• Age — According to Cancer Treatment Centers Of America®, the average age of patients diagnosed with oral cancer is 62, and about two-thirds of this population is over the age of 55.
• Tobacco use — Given that modern tobacco products such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco are filled with carcinogens, they are a major risk factor that leads to oral cancer. In fact, nearly 80 percent of people with oral cancers consume tobacco or have done so significantly in the past.
• Alcohol consumption — Alcohol is another major risk factor linked to oral cancer, as nearly 70 percent of people with the disease have a history of binge-drinking.
• Genetics — Oral cancer shares a lot of similarities with other cancer types, including the fact that the genetic mutations that cause it can be passed down to future generations, as well as related health conditions that have strong links to oral cancer such as fanconi anemia and dyskeratosis congenita.
• HPV — Human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to many different forms of cancer, including those of the mouth, throat, and genitals.

VISIT TRILLIUM DENTAL FOR A DENTAL CHECK UP AND ORAL CANCER SCREENING

If you have noticed any of the symptoms of oral cancer mentioned in this blog post or are concerned about the factors that put you at risk of developing the disease, contact our dentists at Trillium Dental. We would be happy to provide you with a general dentistry check up and oral cancer screening to discuss your dental health.

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If you read part one of this blog series about forming good oral hygiene habits at home, you already know how important it is to brush your teeth twice per day, floss daily, and incorporate a little mouthwash into your oral health routine. Of course, there are many other ways you can keep your teeth, gums, and oral tissue healthy between teeth cleanings at your local dental clinic, which we will continue outlining below. Continue reading for more tips and request a general dentistry appointment at Trillium Dental in Ottawa if you’re due for a professional dental cleaning!

LIMIT SUGARY FOODS AND DRINKS

You’ve probably heard that consuming excess sugar is bad for your teeth — especially if you neglect to brush and floss as much as you should. This is true for many reasons, the first being that sugary foods eat away at tooth enamel and dissolve essential minerals when they sit on the teeth for an extended period of time. Another reason is that the bacteria in plaque (the white substance that builds up on your teeth and gumline) converts the sugar into acid, which creates holes in your teeth otherwise known as cavities and leads to further tooth decay.

Even if you brush regularly, consuming too much sugar can accelerate plaque production, causing it to harden and turn to tartar, which must be removed by a dentist using a scaler. But don’t fret — tooth scaling is included in our general dentistry appointments at Trillium Dental, so we can get rid of it for you every six months. That being said, we recommend not ingesting a lot of sugary foods and drinks for many different health reasons aside from plaque production and tooth decay, such as the risk of obesity, diabetes, and high blood sugar.

QUIT SMOKING AND CHEWING TOBACCO

Another major life change you can make to stay on top of your oral hygiene is to quit smoking or eliminate your dependence on chewing tobacco. Not only are both linked to cancers of the oral cavity, oesophagus, lungs, pancreas, kidneys, and more, but they are also known as major contributors to plaque and tartar formation, tooth decay, and gum disease. Plus, people who smoke are more prone to tooth loss and jawbone deterioration — a painful condition that often requires the help of dental implants to stimulate regrowth.

Aside from the carcinogenic properties of cigarettes, the scary thing about them is the increased buildup of bacteria and chemicals they cause in the mouth. When inflamed or infected gums bleed, these contaminants can enter the bloodstream, causing a myriad of other problems such as blood clots and heart disease. To avoid these serious health risks, simply abstain from smoking or chewing tobacco and visit your dental office to see what treatments are available to you if you are recovering from a nicotine addiction that has negatively impacted your oral health.

VISIT YOUR DENTIST TWICE PER YEAR

At the end of the day, there is only so much you can do to maintain perfect oral hygiene at home. Even those that brush their teeth twice per day, floss every single day, use mouthwash, avoid sugary foods, and don’t smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco still have to go to the dentist at least twice per year for a professional teeth cleaning. Only then are they able to get rid of any plaque that has hardened into tartar and get X-rays in order to determine whether they are experiencing any underlying dental problems that may have flown under the radar.

Often, dental problems like gingivitis (early-stage gum disease), cavities, and tooth decay don’t have noticeable symptoms when they first start developing, which is why it’s important to schedule dental visits on a bi-annual basis. As dental professionals, we are the experts who have the tools, knowledge, and experience to diagnose these issues before they become much more serious. That being said, one of the best things you can do for your long-term oral hygiene is find a family dentist in your area that you like and stick with them so they can provide you with comprehensive dental care for years to come.

VISIT TRILLIUM DENTAL IN OTTAWA FOR PERSONALIZED DENTAL CARE

When you choose Trillium Dental for your general dentistry appointments, you get personalized dental care that caters to your specific needs, whether that means simple dental cleanings or specialized treatments such as gum lasering, dental implants, or complete smile makeovers. We do it all, from general dentistry appointments to cosmetic, restorative, and sedation dentistry procedures, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you are in need of more than just a professional dental cleaning.

We hope that this blog series has proven helpful for you as you continue to maintain good oral hygiene between dental appointments. And, if it’s time for your bi-annual dental check up, contact Trillium Dental in Ottawa today or request an appointment online!

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Oral hygiene is one of the most important aspects of both your dental health and the overall health of your body. As much as we don’t like to admit it, our mouths are full of hundreds of different species of germs and bacteria — both good and bad. You may have even heard the myth that dogs have cleaner mouths than humans do, but let’s get down to the facts before kissing our furry friends on the mouth.

About Mouth Bacteria

All humans have some ratio of good and bad mouth bacteria — which is normal as long as you have a healthy balance between the two and maintain good oral hygiene habits at home. When the bad mouth bacteria (Streptococcus, Lactobacillus, and other cavity-causing germs) builds up due to poor brushing and flossing habits, smoking cigarettes, eating lots of junk food, etc., this is when problems begin to arise. In fact, bad mouth bacteria is often the culprit of gum disease, irritation, and inflammation, as well as plaque and tartar buildup, cavities, tooth decay, and bad breath. Some of these consequences can even lead to more serious health risks such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and oral cancer.

On the other hand, “good” mouth bacteria is responsible for fighting off external germs that make their way into your mouth, aiding in digestion, combating bad breath, and keeping the bad bacteria under control. Commonly referred to as the mouth’s “checks and balances” system in the field of dentistry, this good mouth bacteria is essential for keeping everything in line so the mouth can perform normal bodily functions without succumbing to disease. As it turns out, the key to preventing this and maintaining a healthy balance of good and bad mouth bacteria is to establish good oral hygiene habits — and stick to them.

At Trillium Dental in Ottawa, our dentists and dental hygienists care about each and every one of our patients and regularly emphasize the importance of good oral health. Since we usually only see our patients during their bi-annual general dentistry appointments for professional teeth cleanings or when they visit our dental clinic for a cosmetic, restorative, or sedation dentistry procedure, we want to make sure that you are doing everything you can to keep your mouth healthy once you leave our dental office. That being said, here are some tips for staying on top of your oral hygiene at home!

Rush Your Teeth Twice Per Day

Obviously, the first step toward maintaining good oral hygiene at home is brushing your teeth at least twice per day — and doing so thoroughly. Our dentists recommend brushing your teeth for a minimum of two minutes so that every nook and cranny is reached and that the toothpaste has enough time to fully do its job. If you have a hard time remembering to brush this long, consider setting a timer on your phone or buying a cheap little hourglass that runs out after two minutes. And, if the actual act of brushing is the problem, invest in an electric toothbrush to take some of the work out of the process. If you aren’t sure which kind to buy, feel free to give Trillium Dental a call or visit our dental clinic for a recommendation about the best electric toothbrush for you.

Floss Daily

Hand in hand with remembering to brush your teeth twice per day is making a point to use dental floss every day as well. No matter how thoroughly you brush your teeth, the reality is that your toothbrush won’t be able to eliminate all the food buildup, plaque, and bacteria in between your teeth. This is where flossing comes in — it is essential to fully clean your teeth, prevent cavities, and reduce your risk of developing gum disease. However, if your gums bleed, swell, or cause you any pain when you floss, this could be a sign of a gum infection or gingivitis (early-stage gum disease), which should be checked out by your local dentist as soon as possible.

Use Mouthwash

Although mouthwash isn’t always required for preventing cavities and keeping your teeth and gums healthy, it is a great extra step to take if you want to ensure that your mouth isn’t being overcome with bad bacteria. Simply swish a capful in your mouth after brushing and flossing to rinse out any lingering bacteria, which will be killed off as the liquid cleanses your teeth, gumline, and the rest of the oral cavity.

Schedule A Teeth Cleaning Appointment At Trillium Dental In Ottawa

Now that you know a few basic tips for staying on top of your oral hygiene at home, it’s time to put these suggestions to practice by establishing an oral health care routine that works for you. Whether that means investing in an electric toothbrush, trying mouthwash for the first time, or reminding yourself to floss every single day, every change you make to improve your oral health is worth it in both the short and long-term.

Interested in learning more about how you can improve your oral health and keep your mouth free of bad bacteria? Continue to part two of this blog series for more advice about how to maintain good oral hygiene between dental cleanings, and request a dental cleaning at Trillium Dental in Ottawa today!

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Not many people know what gingivitis or periodontal disease is, yet according to the Canadian Dental Association, nearly 70 percent of Canadians will develop some form of gum disease over the course of their lives. While this figure might come across as alarming at first, it makes sense when you consider the causes of gum disease and the fact that it can go unnoticed for quite some time until you develop painful symptoms. That being said, here is a brief rundown of periodontics and the procedures involved.

WHAT IS PERIODONTICS?

Essentially, periodontics is a branch of dentistry that involves the treatment of the oral structures that surround and support the teeth. These include the jawbone, the gums, and surrounding oral tissue, which can be harmed by the persistent plaque buildup that causes gingivitis and gum disease. In order to combat this, periodontists are able to perform a number of treatments and procedures such as root planing or lasering away the bacteria, as well as gum grafting, crown lengthening, or performing gingivectomies. But don’t panic — these procedures aren’t nearly as scary as they sound.

ROOT PLANING & LASERS

Root planing is the term periodontists use to describe the process of gently removing tartar, or hardened plaque, from along and underneath the gumline with a dental scaler. Often, this painless procedure is done as part of your general dentistry checkups. However, patients who are experiencing mild gum disease, or gingivitis, may have this done to help clear the area of bacteria that caused the gum infection so the receding gums can naturally reattach themselves to the teeth.

Recent advancements in the field of dentistry have also made it possible for periodontists to precisely kill bacteria along the gum line and remove infected gum tissue so that the gums can reattach to the teeth. While this might sound painful, there is usually no need for local anesthesia, and the procedure doesn’t take long to complete.

GINGIVAL GRAFTS & GINGIVECTOMIES

Once a patient’s gum disease has worsened past the mild stage of gingivitis, surgical periodontal treatments may be required with the application of local anesthesia. One of these procedures is gingival grafting, or gum grafting, during which your periodontist will gently graft a small bit of tissue from another area (usually the roof of your mouth), then add it to the receding or diseased gums for support.

Gingivectomies, on the other hand, involves the lasering away of infected gum tissue from the deep pockets of bacteria that develop under the gumline in patients with periodontal disease. This surgical periodontal procedure is only performed in patients with severe gum disease that has attacked and deteriorated the gums, causing them to recede significantly.

CROWN LENGTHENING

Finally, your periodontist may perform a crown lengthening procedure for patients who do not have much natural tooth surface for a dental crown or cavity filling to attach to — as is often the case for those with deteriorated teeth from periodontal disease. During this periodontal procedure, we simply laser away extra gum tissue so that the following restoration process will be most effective.

Interested in learning more about the field of periodontics? Contact us with any questions you may have, and request an appointment at Trillium Dental in Ottawa today!

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