Oral cancer screening west kelowna

When should you get an oral cancer screening by a holistic dentist in West Kelowna?

Oral cancer is not enough discussed in conversations around dentistry and oral health. The lack of education and awareness is concerning. However, we’re here to help clarify a few things about when and why you should be screened through a holistic dentist approach in West-Kelowna!

Based on research by the Moffitt Cancer Center, people over the age of 20 should get an oral cancer screening at least every three years and people over the age of 40 should be screened annually, whether symptomatic or not.

Being screened is especially critical for people with high-risk behaviors, lifestyles and pre-existing conditions including:

Smoking or chewing tobacco
High alcohol consumption on a frequent basis
A diet low in fruits and vegetables
Extra body weight
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
A family history of cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, most people diagnosed with oral cancer are aged 55+ and oral cancer is approximately twice as common in men as it is in women.

As it currently stands, oral cancer develops far less commonly in people under the age of 55. While this may be the case, it’s totally worth your time to receive annual screenings.

Oral cancer screenings in Kelowna are not usually time consuming and can offer a lot of value to your health. In alignment with our holistic dentistry values, we emphasize that early prevention and awareness is key! Even if you’re not in the 55+ age window.

You have likely been screened before without even knowing it. Many dentists preform routine screenings during regular cleanings and other types of treatments.

However, this is not always the case and while it is your dentist’s duty to ensure your oral health is in top condition, it’s also important to be an advocate for yourself — especially when it comes to your health.

Never hesitate to ask us to perform an oral cancer screening and to open up that channel of communication. In taking a holistic dentistry approach , we have ensured that you can easily book an oral cancer screening in Kelowna with us today. New patients are welcome.

oral cavity cancer kelowna

How is oral cancer screening done?

Thanks to advancements and developments in technology, oral cancer screening is now available, safe, and effective.

The Velscope Oral Cancer Screening System incorporates fluorescence visualization technology to help detect abnormal tissue growth. They cost $50 and take only 3-5 minutes.

It’s important to note that the Velscope System is not a diagnostic device. It’s used to detect abnormal tissue growth. If we are suspicious of the tissue detected, a surgical biopsy will be conducted by an oral surgeon. Only when an oral pathologist reads the results of this surgical biopsy can a diagnosis be made. Make an appointment today.

oropharyngeal cancer kelowna dentist

What patients say about Kelowna Holistic Dentist Dr. Shauna Palmer

[These are actual Google Reviews]

oral cancer lips tongue kelowna

What are the symptoms of oral cancer?

In order to prevent late detection, it’s important for you to understand what symptoms to look out for in mouth cancer:

Swollen gums
Loose teeth or ill-fitting dentures
Difficulty moving jaw or tongue
Numbness and tenderness in the mouth
White or red patches in mouth
Drastic weight loss
Chronic sore throat
Sores that won’t heal
Bleeding mouth

What are the causes of oral cancer?

Although it can happen to anyone, some are more at risk than others

Smoking
Consumption of Alcohol
Sun Exposure
History of cancer in the family
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, please contact us today and ask about an oral cancer screening. We can check for multiple reasons why you may be experiencing these symptoms and help find a solution or treatment.

Make an appointment today

floor of the mouth cancer kelowna

Why choose Dr. Shauna Palmer?

Switch to a holistic approach

End Holistic Dentistry confusion
Don’t continue unhealthy dentistry
Avoid putting toxic chemicals into your body
Stop treating symptoms only, treat the causes
Forget about a one size fits all approach to dentistry

Live healthier, happier and longer

Take control over what goes into your mouth and body
Strive for the oral health you’ve always wanted
Find clarity about healthy, natural, holistic dentistry
Enjoy feeling better about yourself
Choose a healthier life!

Make an appointment today!

Health & Beauty Dentistry

#1. PREVENTION (Can oral cancer screening prevent oral cancer?)

Many people fail to get oral cancer screenings in West Kelowna, but they’re an easy way to catch possible problems before they become a major problem. Kelowna Oral cancer screening isn’t meant to replace your normal oral care routine (it just complements it). Your dentist can spot trouble spots that you may have missed during a routine dental checkup and may suggest ways for you to make changes to your routine, such as brushing your teeth more often or adding flossing. However, there is one surefire way of spotting all potential issues—getting a professional oral cancer screening in West Kelowna from a dental professional.

Oral cancer can also be a symptom of another medical condition, such as diabetes. Because these diseases are treatable, if oral cancer is caught early enough, it’s easier to treat and eradicate. Your dental hygienist or dentist in Kelowna may suggest an oral cancer screening if you’re over 50 years old and haven’t had one in two years. However, no matter your age or whether you had a previous oral cancer screening in Kelowna, keeping up with your regular cleanings every six months is a good idea. Getting teeth cleanings twice per year greatly reduces your risk of developing gum disease and other ailments that may result in periodontal disease.

#2. EARLY DETECTION (Does early detection make a difference for survival rate?)

Early detection is critical to survival rates and preventing oral cancer. In fact, 90% of oral cancers are diagnosed in late stages when they have already begun to spread to other areas of your body. A great way to help prevent early detection is by getting a regular dental exam every six months. Early detection is one of three important reasons why you should get an oral cancer screening at your West Kelowna dentist’s office.

Another important reason is CONFIDENCE (How do I feel about my smile?). Getting an oral cancer screening can also boost your confidence because it allows you to know for sure that there are no oral health issues that could affect your smile or overall health. If there were any problems, you would be able to address them before they got worse. Many people who have gotten their oral cancer screenings say that knowing for sure that everything is okay makes them feel more confident about their smiles and themselves as a whole.

#3. IMPROVED TREATMENT (Can oral cancer be treated effectively?)

An oral cancer screening in West Kelowna is one of several tests you may need if your dentist suspects you have oral cancer. Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, can develop in your lips, tongue, cheeks and throat. While it’s less common than other types of cancers, it’s also one of the most deadly cancers since symptoms don’t usually appear until it’s in its late stages. But with early detection and a biopsy, chances are good that it can be cured. If not caught early enough and completely removed by surgery or chemotherapy (oral cancer treatment), your risk for recurring disease or death increases dramatically.

Kelowna Oral cancer screenings help dentists detect oral cancer before it spreads to other parts of your body. It’s important to get regular oral cancer screenings because there are often no symptoms to indicate you have oral cancer until it has reached an advanced stage, which makes treating it more difficult. Oral cancer screenings aren’t just for those who use tobacco products; anyone who wants to lower their risk should schedule an appointment with their dentist to learn more about how they can protect themselves from developing oral cancer.

Dr. Shauna Palmer at Health & Beauty Dentistry in Kelowna BC can provide oral cancer screenings regularly. Schedule yours ASAP.