Preventive Dentistry

The best prevention of oral cancer is early detection. At Promenade Village Dental, our focus is on identifying oral cancer in its early stages. Many oral cancers have a high success rate of being treated, especially when detected, diagnosed and treated early.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer involves abnormal growth in the oral cavity (cheeks, lips, tongue, etc.). It's most commonly found on the floor of the mouth but can be found anywhere in the mouth. Furthermore, repeated damage from smoking, alcohol and other risk factors can damage the cells inside the mouth and make them more likely to develop oral cancer.

Routine Oral Cancer Examinations

During your routine dental exam at Promenade Village Dental, our Thornhill dental team looks for signs of oral cancer, such as unusual sores, lumps or red/white patches in your mouth. Consistent and up-to-date examination appointments are crucial for timely detection and intervention.

Oral Cancer Risk Factors

It's also important to keep in mind some risk factors for developing oral cancer so you know what to avoid and what habits to change. These include:

• Tobacco and alcohol consumption
• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
• Excessive sun exposure
• A diet low in fruits and vegetables
• Weakened immune system
• Previous cancer
• Poor oral health

To reduce the risk of developing oral cancer, try to eat many fruits and vegetables, use sunscreen, avoid tobacco and alcohol, and stay up-to-date with dental examination appointments at Promenade Village Dental.

If you have any questions about oral cancer or its screening, contact our Thornhill office today!

A mouth guard is a protective device that covers the teeth and gums to prevent injury to the mouth and teeth during sports or other physical activities. Mouthguards are commonly used in contact sports such as football, hockey, and boxing, as well as in non-contact sports such as basketball, gymnastics, and skateboarding.

Custom-designed mouthguards are made of durable plastic and moulded to fit the shape of your teeth. They are recommended to protect the jaw, tongue, cheek lining, and teeth during physical activity and sports such as basketball, boxing, or other activities where your mouth might get hit. Depending on growth and activity level, mouthguards generally last between 2-10 years, and can help prevent broken teeth and serious injuries such as concussions.

Custom-made oral appliances can also be used as part of treatment for conditions like sleep apnea and TMJ disorders. In general, plastic appliances can be used to correct a variety of problems.

It is important to wear a properly fitting mouth guard during sports or other physical activities to protect the teeth, gums, and mouth from injury. Mouth guards should be replaced regularly, as they can become worn and less effective over time.

Our Thornhill dentist, Dr. Shima Parhizgar can assist with making sure you receive a mouthguard that is comfortably fitter for your mouth.

Nightguards are protective devices used to prevent damage to the teeth from grinding at night when a person sleeps. Some people suffer from bruxism, a problem where people unconsciously grind or clench their teeth (during the day and/or night).

If you often find yourself waking up with a sore jaw, headaches, or earaches, then you may suffer from bruxism. In this case, a nightguard could be right for you!

Bruxism and clenching can lead to other sleep disorders such as sleep apnea and can affect the quality of sleep of both the person affected by it and any potential bed partners.

Many people suffer from bruxism/clenching and don't even realize it! Common signs of teeth grinding include:

• Sore facial muscles
• Headaches in the morning
• Locked or tired jaw
• Sensitive, fractured, and/or flattened teeth

In addition, some risk factors of bruxism/clenching include:

• Stress: people are more likely to grind their teeth when they are stressed
• Age: bruxism is more common in children
• Aggressive/hyperactive personality type
• Family history of bruxism

If you feel that you may suffer from bruxism or clenching, please don't hesitate to contact us for a nightguard's appointment.

Similar to mouthguards, nightguards work by protecting the teeth from trauma with a thin plastic layer. Nightguards from our Promenade Village Dental office are custom-fitted to your mouth for maximum comfort and safety.

Again, while over-the-counter nightguards are available (and tempting because they are convenient), our Thornhill dentist does not recommend them because they are not durable, can hinder breathing and speech, and are not as effective.

Book an appointment at Promenade Village Dental in Thornhill today to get a custom-fitted nightguard and protect your teeth from damage!