Torbram Dental weighs in on the importance of oral cancer screenings. (Source: Cleveland Clinic, Oral Cancer Screening, last reviewed September 8, 2022, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21056-oral-cancer-screening ).
Cleveland Clinic explains that dentists use oral cancer screenings to search for indications of cancer inside your mouth. They will conduct a dental checkup. They will inspect the inner surface of your cheeks, gums, lips, tongue, floor, and roof of your mouth to detect any unusual growths or irregularities.
Torbram Dental shares, “Oral cancer screening, during your dental exam, is important because it helps detect signs of cancer in the mouth at an early stage when it’s easier to treat.”
Can you get an oral cancer screening during your dental checkup?
Cleveland Clinic says that multiple healthcare providers can conduct oral cancer screenings, but it is typical for dentists to provide them as part of their regular dental exam.
Torbram Dental explains, “It is essential to understand that oral cancer screenings are not diagnostic, but instead help healthcare providers identify potential indications of cancer. If any questionable signs are detected, your dentist will then refer you to an oncologist for further evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.”
What should you expect during this dental exam?
Cleveland Clinic guides that oral cancer screenings involve multiple methods. This includes visual exams, palpation, and the use of screening dyes and lights. Lesions, lumps, and bumps are examined, and oral screening tools such as toluidine blue dye may be used. Special lights can also be used with fluorescent mouthwash to differentiate between healthy and abnormal tissues.
Torbram Dental adds, “Preparing for an oral cancer screening is usually straightforward. Keep in mind the following:
Schedule an appointment: Contact your oral care practitioner and schedule a visit for an oral cancer screening.
Avoid smoking and alcohol: Smoking and drinking alcohol can play havoc on your oral health. Avoid smoking or using tobacco products; avoid alcohol for 24 hours before your screening.
Be honest with your healthcare provider: Be honest and open with your healthcare provider every time you go for a dental cleaning. Sharing your medical history and any symptoms, you may be experiencing will help them take care of your oral health.
Avoid eating or drinking for a few hours: Some oral care providers may recommend this. Eating or drinking before the screening can interfere with the examination.
Wear comfortable clothing: Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your head and neck area, as your oral health care provider may need to examine those areas thoroughly.
Can you do an oral cancer screening at home?
Cleveland Clinic emphasizes that while some healthcare providers suggest performing monthly self-screenings for oral cancer, it is crucial to note that these should not replace bi-annual screenings at your healthcare provider’s office.
Torbram Dental advises, “You cannot stop going to your dentist for a thorough dental cleaning just because you follow an oral care routine. Similarly, home screenings for oral cancer are not a replacement for professional screenings.”
Cleveland Clinic shares that oral cancer is prevalent cancer that impacts the head and neck area.
Torbram Dental agrees, “Since it has alarmingly high mortality rates, early detection is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. Regular dental checkups offer the best opportunity to catch oral cancer in its early stages. To ensure optimal health, ask your healthcare provider for screenings every time you go for a dental cleaning.”
Simrit has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She started her career with Assisting/Treatment co-ordinating and then moved on to becoming the Hygiene Co Ordinator in 2005. In 2012 she took on a new role as the Marketing Director. Though she loved being the Marketing Director, in 2015 she became the Office Manager of Torbram Dental. She completed her Level 1 Dental Assisting program with Career Canada in 1996 and then went on to complete her Level II Dental Assisting Diploma with Southwestern Medix in 1999. That is when she received NDAEB Certification. Simrit has been and still is an active member of the Ontario Dental Assistants Association since 2000. She enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband and two kids and loves to explore new restaurants, especially high-tea venues.
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Jessica, one of our receptionists, is one of the smiling faces you see when you arrive at the office. She graduated with honours from Medix College with a diploma as a Level 2 Dental Assistant. When she is not happily helping our patients, Jessica enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family, going to church on Sunday mornings, gardening and going on hikes.
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Naudia has been working at Torbram Dental for many years and is a valued member of our administrative team: as a dental receptionist and in our marketing team . She graduated from Everest College with honours level 1 and 2, with a diploma in Dental Assisting. Naudia is always there for our patients, making sure that they receive the care and attention they deserve. When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking and indulging in civil court TV shows.
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Ramandeep has been a part of Torbram Dental for the past 10 years as certified dental assistant. She obtained her level 1 certification from Everest college in Brampton in 2013, and then her level 2 certification in 2014 from Medix college. Her career path through the clinic has been recognized by staff at all levels who admire her work ethic and dedication to million dollar smiles. In her spare time, Ramandeep enjoys cooking and gardening, and spending time with her husband and 2 kids.
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Sana is a valued member of our dental hygiene team. In 2008 she completed her education at George Brown in Dental Assisting and in 2016 she earned her diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Canadian Academy of Dental Health and Sciences. Sana has been working in dentistry since 2008 and enjoys taking care of our patients and helping them with their oral health. She is married and is busy with her 2 young children. In her spare time, Sana enjoys going out with the family, trying out new places to eat and is looking forward to travelling with them in the future.
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Sanaria has been working at Torbram Dental for many years as a valued member of our Dental Assisting Team. She completed her level 2 dental assisting certification and previously obtained a degree in Education and worked as a quality control officer in the pharmaceutical industry. When not at work Sanaria loves to bake and cook. She also loves story time and enjoying the outdoors with her children. She always sees the positive side of life, believes that nothing is impossible and that if you set a goal and work at it, that you will make your dreams come true.
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Carrie has been working at Torbram Dental since 2001. She graduated from George Brown College in 1998 with a Dental Assistant Diploma and continued to further her education by completing a Dental Hygiene Diploma in 2001 at Durham College. Carrie is a highly trained and experienced Registered Dental Hygienist who continues to learn and grow by updating her knowledge to provide her clients with the best Oral Health Care techniques and information. Carrie is passionate about Dentistry and is known for her gentle and compassionate manner. She feels strongly about building lasting relationships and trust with her clients to help them understand that good Oral Health leads to good Overall Health. Carrie enjoys travelling, dabbling in decorating and a good Netflix series in her time off. Carrie resides in Halton Hills with her husband and two children.
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Daniela's interest in Dentistry began in Gr.6 when she wrote a speech entitled "My Life as a Toothbrush".
A Registered Dental Hygienist with 22 years of clinical experience, Daniela still has a great passion for her career. The most rewarding aspect for her is building lasting relationships with her patients, and seeing them through to a healthier smile.
Her thorough yet gentle touch will ensure a comfortable visit every time.
Daniela is a total Foodie and loves to cook and enjoys all types of cuisines. She loves Florida, Cruises, organizing things, and most of all spending time with family and friends.
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Stephanie Enjoys getting to know all new patients at Torbram Dental and catching up with long standing Patients. Stephanie enjoys spending quality time with her family. One of her favorite things to do with her daughter is teach and play the piano. Stephanie likes going on walks with her husband and enjoys spending as much time with him as he is an Active Member of the Canadian Army. On Sundays, Stephanie enjoys going to Church and looks forward to Sunday Dinner with her entire family. Stephanie's Favorite thing to do to start her day right is head to her local Starbucks and Grab her favorite drink, an iced black tea with light lemonade on warm days and a blonde vanilla latte on those cold winter days.
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As a dedicated Dental Hygienist at Torbram Dental, Aalisha brings recent knowledge and experience to ensure the best oral health for our patients. She holds a Diploma in Dental Hygiene from the Toronto College of Dental Hygiene and Auxiliaries and has further enriched her education with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo. Beyond her professional qualifications, Aalisha has a zest for life that extends beyond the dental chair. She cherishes quality time with family and friends, thrives on outdoor adventures, and has a passion for hiking and water-based activities, especially during the sunny summer days. She is an avid traveler, exploring tropical paradises and historic destinations while immersing herself in diverse cultures and indulging in delicious culinary experiences."
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Supreet was born and raised in Punjab, India and came to Canada in 2016. She graduated from Sheridan College as an Environmental Lab Technician but later decided to change her career to dentistry. She completed her Level I and II Intra-Oral Dental Assisting course from George Brown College and graduated in 2023. In July 2023, Supreet joined the team at Torbram Dental where she enjoys working. In her free time, she loves to read books.
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