Oral cancer screening in Richmond Hill, Ontario is part of examining the tissues of your mouth for changes that need attention. At Mackenzie Smiles Dentistry, our general dentists assess concerns and explain whether review, referral or further testing is appropriate.
Your dentist examines oral tissues and asks about symptoms and health history. Screening can identify a suspicious area, but it does not by itself diagnose cancer or guarantee that every condition will be found.
Tobacco use increases risk, including smoked and smokeless products.
Heavy alcohol use increases risk, especially alongside tobacco.
Some HPV infections are associated with cancers in the mouth and throat.
Sun exposure can increase the risk of cancer affecting the lips.
A change still needs assessment even when known risk factors are absent.
A mouth or lip sore that has not healed within two weeks.
A new lump, thickened area, or persistent red or white patch.
Unexplained bleeding, numbness, or difficulty chewing or swallowing.
These changes can have causes other than cancer. An examination helps determine the next step. Report a persistent concern rather than trying to identify it from a photograph or online description.
Screening may be included in a comprehensive dental examination. Tell the team about changes before the visit so they can advise on timing. If a suspicious area is found, your dentist will explain the recommended investigation or referral and follow-up.
No. A screening examination looks for changes that need attention. A suspicious area may require referral and further tests, such as a biopsy, before a diagnosis can be made.
Tell your dentist about a persistent sore, red or white patch, lump, unexplained bleeding, numbness or difficulty swallowing. A mouth sore that has not healed within two weeks needs professional assessment.
Yes. Tobacco is an important risk factor, but oral cancer can also affect people who do not use it. Report persistent changes regardless of your smoking history.
No examination can exclude every condition. Contact a dentist or another health professional if a new change appears or a symptom persists between appointments.
Discuss this with your dentist as part of your preventive care. Timing should reflect your history, risk factors and any symptoms. Do not wait for a routine visit to report a concerning change.
Mackenzie Smiles Dentistry is at 250 Harding Blvd W, Suite 103, Richmond Hill, Ontario. Request an appointment and tell the team if you have a sore, lump or other persistent change.
Read ODA oral cancer guidance, CDA oral cancer information and Canada.ca warning signs and risk factors. The RCDSO dentist register provides Ontario registration information.
Oral cancer screening can be completed as part of your preventive dental care or during a comprehensive dental exam.
Contact Mackenzie Smiles Dentistry to request an appointment with our dental team in Richmond Hill.
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Mackenzie Smiles Dentistry provides personalized dental care for patients of all ages in Richmond Hill, with a focus on comfort, clear communication, and individual oral health needs.
Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM–7:00 PM
Sat: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Sun: Closed
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