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Exploring oral medicine with Dr. Martin Tyler

Dentists always insist on flossing and regular cleanings, for good reasons: the health of our mouth and teeth can influence our overall well-being. But what if you notice something irregular while you’re brushing, like a lump or sore? What if you are affected by diabetes, AIDS or another illness linked with oral health issues? Then oral medicine specialists like Dr. Martin Tyler may be a welcome addition when caring for the health of your mouth.

Tyler is a retired dentistry professor from McGill, and was the chair of the university’s oral medicine program for over 20 years, until 2003. He’s continued to teach students in the hospital and treat patients in his private practice, including many with oral cancers.

Early diagnosis is key for oral cancer patients, said Tyler. However, many of the people he sees tell the same story: they went to the doctor and tried antibiotics for a while, their lump grew, and they were referred to a specialist for a biopsy. Eventually they wind up in Tyler’s office—but sometimes after several weeks.

“Look at the delay.” Waits like these are part of the reason five-year survival rates for head and neck cancers haven’t improved, despite better treatments, he explained. By continuing to teach, he hopes that students will bring their knowledge of oral medicine and awareness of what specialists can do to their practice.

Tyler, an American who splits his time between Montreal and upstate New York, first came across the border to learn French. Mission accomplished. “[I speak] like an American, but I speak French.” In the process, he fell in love with the city’s diversity and jazz bands. “I was hooked,” he said.

Montrealers are lucky because there are about nine oral medicine specialists here—definitely more than other areas, Tyler said. For example, he said that there is only one specialist in Toronto practicing solely oral medicine, though others see patients and provide similar treatment.

Tyler’s treatments can go beyond just medicine. Whether he’s dealing with people concerned that a bump might be a tumour, patients going through radiation treatments or someone suffering from burning mouth syndrome—when their mouth burns with no obvious physical reason—he tries to support them and gain their trust. It’s a crucial part of his work.

“Oral medicine is one of those areas where you can’t afford to treat a patient like he’s crazy or a pain,” he said. “Those kinds of patients, you have to say: that’s what I’m here for.”