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Oral cancer is a serious disease that affects many people across the globe, particularly cigarette smokers and people with a family history of cancer. Though there is a genetic factor involved, there are several things you can do to prevent the development of oral cancer, which we will outline in this blog post. Continue reading to find out, and be sure to contact our team at Trillium Dental in Ottawa if anything feels abnormal in your mouth or throat. We gladly perform oral cancer screenings as part of our dental exams.

QUIT SMOKING (OR DON’T START)

Tobacco is one of the largest causes of oral cancer, esophageal cancer, and other cancers of the head, throat, and neck — not to mention lung cancer. This is because today’s tobacco products, such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and vape juice, contain carcinogenic chemicals that are linked to the growth of cancer cells. Specifically, these chemicals can cause grayish-white mouth ulcers to develop, which are called leukoplakia.

If left undiagnosed and untreated, these ulcers and mouth sores can become cancerous, requiring oral surgery and/or radiation to remove. And that’s not to say that it won’t come back. That being said, one of the easiest ways to prevent oral cancer from developing is to stay away from tobacco products — yes, even those “harmless” vapes.

Read More: Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

DRINK RESPONSIBLY

Alcohol is another major contributor to oral cancer, as well as esophageal cancer, throat cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, and the list goes on. However, your risk of developing cancer as a direct cause of alcohol consumption depends on how much, and how frequently, you drink. Scientifically speaking, alcohol alters the body’s chemistry over time, impairing the body from being able to defend itself against the spread of cancer cells.

To avoid developing cancer, not to mention an addiction, our dentists recommend having less than three drinks per day, if any at all. Overexposure to alcoholic beverages can take a toll on the tissues in your mouth, throat, stomach, and other vital organs, rendering them diseased and defenseless. As with tobacco, it’s best to quit binge drinking and limit yourself to the occasional drink if you’re looking to minimize your risk of oral cancer.

GET AN HPV VACCINATION

Other diseases, like human papillomavirus (HPV), can increase your chances of developing oral cancer — particularly oropharyngeal cancers. HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, and many people have it in their mouth without even being aware of it. There is no cure for HPV; however, you may be able to avoid contracting it by getting vaccinated before you become sexually active. Most doctors recommend getting vaccinated between the ages of 11 and their mid-20s.

MAKE REGULAR TRIPS TO YOUR LOCAL DENTAL CLINIC

Prevention is the key to avoiding serious diseases like oral cancer and periodontal disease, which are life-threatening health conditions that can in part be prevented with good oral hygiene and regular trips to your family dental clinic. At Trillium Dental in Ottawa, we recommend that patients brush their teeth twice per day and floss daily, in addition to visiting our dental office twice per year for dental checkups. Contact us today to book your next appointment!

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Talking to your child about the dentist, doctor, or any other medical profession isn’t always easy, as children have very vivid imaginations that can develop into fears if concepts are not explained in a way they understand. Because of this, parents often find themselves between a rock and a hard place when it comes time for their child’s first dental exam. After all, they want to tell the truth so their little one knows what to expect, but they also don’t want to instill any irrational fears or phobias.

At Trillium Dental in Ottawa, our dentists and dental hygienists have years of experience in family dental care, and we pride ourselves on providing a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere for kids of all ages. For us, it all comes down to creating a fun environment for kids to show their curiosity and learn about their oral health. Book your child’s dental appointment with us today, or continue reading for some tips about how to talk to your child about the dentist!

USE WORDS THEY UNDERSTAND

If your child is about to have their first dental appointment, odds are, they’re just one or two years old. Their vocabulary is already limited, so be sure to talk to them in a manner that they can understand. Start by showing them a toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss, and explain that every so often, they’ll be treated to a professional teeth cleaning with a little squirt gun and vibrating toothbrush (that sometimes tickles!).

Don’t bring up needles, drills, or dental x-rays, because these are the things that tend to develop into dental phobias. In fact, most children don’t get cavities until their elementary school years, so avoid any talk of needles and cavities until they’re a bit older and can understand the concept of preventative oral hygiene. Until then, break it down using simple, positive language so they know the basics of what to expect when they have their first dental cleaning.

Read More: Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)

TELL THE TRUTH

It is also important not to hide information from your child, as this can throw them off when they arrive at your local dental clinic. Tell them that a dentist (or teeth cleaner) will take them back to a chair, where they can relax while their teeth are cleaned. Frame it as a pampering experience that doesn’t hurt, and they’ll be less likely to be afraid when their dental hygienist pulls out the electric toothbrush.

The dentists and dental hygienists at our Ottawa dental clinics are great about explaining what they’re about to do in an easy-to-understand, kid-friendly way, so you can rest assured that your child is in good hands with us. We’ll explain our fancy toothbrush and water sprayer to them, and that if anything, it’ll tickle, not hurt. We’ll also let them pick out a toothpaste flavor and toothbrush color to take home, which they’ll find comfort in and maybe even get excited about.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE

If your child is hesitant about their first dental visit, it is incredibly important for parents to lead by example. Let your child watch as you brush and floss your teeth, and show them how to do it at home before a stranger does it for them at the dental office. Talk to them calmly about what to expect, and don’t reveal any nervousness you may have about the dentist. Instead, tell them that they have nothing to worry about, that there are no needles involved in a teeth cleaning, and that they will have fun getting to explore the office.

Ready to schedule your child’s first dental exam? Call Trillium Dental today, or request an appointment online at one of our eight dental clinics in Ottawa. We look forward to meeting your little one!

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