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In our last blog post, we discussed some of the major ways smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco negatively affect your oral health, like by increasing your risk of developing periodontal disease and oral cancer. Now that you have a solid understanding of how these carcinogens attack the oral cavity, let’s dive into some of the other dental problems associated with tobacco use. Continue reading to learn more, and book your next dental exam today at Trillium Dental in Ottawa to experience the difference of compassionate family dental care.

LOOSE OR MISSING TEETH

Tobacco users are at a heightened risk of losing their teeth, which is a common symptom of periodontitis, or late-stage gum disease. The gums play a vital role in holding the teeth in their proper position, and when inflamed gums swell up, become infected, and pull away from the teeth, this can cause them to loosen, then fall out over time. Some of the most obvious signs of gum disease include sensitive, swollen, or bleeding gums, as well as larger tooth gaps and longer-looking teeth with exposed tooth roots. Eventually, if you are suffering from gum disease or oral cancer and do not seek medical treatment, these teeth will likely fall out due to the decaying structure in the underlying jawbone, which is responsible for supporting the entire oral cavity.

TOOTH DISCOLORATION

Often, smokers and tobacco chewers will show early signs of tooth decay, such as grey or black spots appearing on the surface where the tooth enamel has been eaten away by plaque, tartar, and acid buildup along the gumline. As mentioned in part one of this blog series, the chemicals in cigarettes and chewing tobacco accelerate the process of tooth deterioration, as they feast on the teeth and gums in much the same way that sugar does. In many cases, this leads to dark tooth discoloration, which can only be remedied with teeth whitening gel, porcelain veneers, dental crowns, or even dental implants, depending on the circumstance (and the remaining jawbone structure). Smokers are especially at risk of developing this kind of tooth discoloration, as the carcinogenic chemicals in tobacco products leave a dark trail behind when frequently consumed.

TOOTHACHES & JAW PAIN

Obviously, you’ll experience some pain if your teeth are decaying, loose, or falling out altogether. Gum disease and oral cancer are largely to blame for this, as these oral diseases degrade the jawbone, teeth, and oral tissue supporting the mouth in what can only be described as a long, painful process if proper dental care is not sought out. In addition to the sores and mouth ulcers that tobacco users experience during the early stages of oral cancer, persistent toothaches, jaw pain, and sore gums are other painful consequences of smoking. Smokers may also experience bad breath and an unpleasant taste in their mouth that doesn’t go away with normal brushing and flossing, which goes hand-in-hand with oral infections, tooth decay, and unfortunately, a great deal of pain if this goes untreated.

BOOK A DENTAL EXAM AT OUR FAMILY DENTAL CLINIC IN OTTAWA

At the end of the day, the best way to avoid developing oral cancer, gum disease, tooth decay, and other painful dental problems is to maintain good oral hygiene habits — and to quit smoking. If you need help quitting smoking, check out these resources from the Canadian Cancer Society, and be sure to visit our Ottawa dental clinic for regular teeth cleanings and oral cancer screenings at least twice per year. Feel free to contact us to answer any questions you have about your oral health, or book an appointment online at Trillium Dental in Ottawa.

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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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