Dental Procedures

The rates of oral cancer in Canada are high, with three Canadians dying daily. Oral cancer has a five-year survival rate lower than the survival rates of breast, cervical and prostate cancer. Despite this, Oral cancer is preventable. At Westwoods Dental we stress the importance of routine oral cancer screening as part of every recall examination. Early detection has been shown to significantly reduce the potential for death if cancer is detected early, making treatment easier, less invasive and more than 90% curable.

Age, excessive alcohol consumption and tobacco use are the leading risk factors for oral cancer; however, 25% of those who suffer from the disease have no risk factors. Recent studies also indicate that infection of the oral cavity with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) may also be a risk factor.

Taking preventative measures such as undergoing an oral cancer check is the best way to monitor your oral health. An oral cancer check is simple, painless and only takes a few minutes. Just as a yearly physical is an essential part of your health care, an oral cancer check by your oral health team at Westwoods Dental is essential for providing early detection of abnormalities in the oral cavity. It is recommended that Canadians be checked for oral cancer on a yearly basis.