At Tsawwassen Family Dental, oral cancer screening is part of your routine exam to identify unusual changes in the mouth as early as possible.
approximately each year in Canada
Why Early Detection Matters
In Canada, approximately 5,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. Oral cancer can develop quietly and may not cause pain in its early stages. Detecting changes early can lead to better outcomes and increase the chances of successful care.
| Warning Sign To Watch For | What To Do |
|---|---|
| A mouth sore that hasn't healed for more than 2 weeks | Schedule a dental exam promptly |
| A lump, thickening, or white/red patch inside the mouth | Have it professionally evaluated |
| Persistent sore throat or hoarseness | Seek professional evaluation if symptoms continue |
| Trouble chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw | Book an examination as soon as possible |
| Numbness or unexplained mouth bleeding | Contact your dentist immediately for evaluation |
We first make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed in the dental chair.
Our dentist will carefully examine the inside of your mouth, tongue, cheeks, gums, lips, and throat. They also feel around the jaw and neck area to check for swelling or unusual lumps.
If any suspicious area is identified, our team will explain the findings clearly and arrange an urgent referral to an oral surgeon or specialist.
For most patients, we recommend oral cancer screening every 6 months.
However, patients with higher risk factors may benefit from more frequent monitoring.
Our team determines the frequency of your oral cancer screening after your visit.
Our patients usually choose us because of:

is a Trinity College Dublin graduate who provides comprehensive general and family dentistry, including preventive care and emergency dentistry, along with dental implants, Invisalign, crowns, and veneers.

completed his dental education at University College Cork in Ireland after earning his Bachelor of Science degree from UBC.

is a passionate general dentist focused on comfortable, patient centred care, dedicated to making every patient feel welcomed and confident.