Many of us are focused on our daily routines that involve work, school, family, getting the kids ready, and more. Most of the time, we don’t think about oral cancer. Thankfully, there are some very basic things we can all do every day to decrease our risk for oral cancer and improve our health. Here are some of them.
Cut Out Tobacco
Avoid tobacco to greatly reduce your risk for oral cancer. Whether you consume tobacco through cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipe smoking, or vaping, tobacco is an ongoing source of irritation to your mouth. This includes smokeless tobacco in all of its forms.
Reduce Your Alcohol Intake
Alcohol also increases your risk for oral cancer. The National Cancer Institute states that light drinkers (1-2 drinks a day) are slightly more likely than non-drinkers to develop oral cancer, while heavy drinkers (4-5 drinks daily or 8-15 drinks per week) are about 5 times as likely. If you consume both tobacco and alcohol, your chances of developing oral cancer increase exponentially compared to either habit alone. Therefore, reducing or eliminating both habits is a major key to oral cancer prevention.
Don’t Ignore HPV
Oral cancer prevention goes beyond smoking and drinking. Human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a major role in many cancers that develop further back in the mouth and throat, especially in the oropharynx. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that the HPV vaccine protects against the two strains of HPV, which are known to be responsible for most cases of oropharyngeal cancer. That said, vaccination at routine ages is smart for oral cancer prevention.
Lips Need Sun Protection Too
Protection from the harmful effects of excessive UV radiation also reduces your oral cancer risk. While most individuals apply sunscreen to their faces and shoulders before spending time outdoors, many fail to apply it to their lips or use protective lip balm. This oversight increases the risk of lip cancer among individuals who spend extended periods in the sun. Applying lip balm with SPF and practicing common sense sun-related habits are highly recommended.
Keep Up With Dental Visits
Regular dental visits are invaluable. Not only do they keep your teeth clean, but they also give your dentist a chance to look for suspicious changes in the mouth, lips, tongue, and surrounding tissues. One reason why the American Dental Association (ADA) supports routine dental exams for patients is because early detection influences cancer treatment decisions and provides more positive outcomes.
Pay Attention to Small Changes
If you identify a change in or around your mouth, such as a sore that does not heal, red or white patches on the lining of your cheeks, gums, tongue, or roof of your mouth, unusual bleeding, a lump, jaw swelling, difficulty swallowing or chewing food, a persistent cough, or hoarseness, don’t ignore it! Although these signs don’t necessarily indicate oral cancer, they deserve an immediate visit to a dental professional.
Good Habits, Strong Protection
Taking action today limits the risks associated with oral cancer. Quit smoking. Drink responsibly. Protect against excess sunlight. Attend regular appointments with your dentist. Find out if the HPV vaccine is appropriate for you or your family members. These decisions reduce your risk of developing oral cancer.
If you have questions about oral cancer or are noticing changes in your mouth, such as pain, swelling, or bleeding, contact Paramount Dental in Roseville. We are happy to answer your questions and provide comprehensive dental services, including emergency treatment, at all of our offices. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Protect your oral health today!
