According to The American Cancer Society, more than 50,000 people develop some sort of oral cancer each year. Unfortunately, about 10,000 of these sufferers have to lose their lives due to extreme conditions.
Proper mouth hygiene and dental care are imperative to lower the chances of oral cancer. In this blog, we’ve compiled some tips to avoid the dangers of oral cancer.
How Do You Get Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer indicates the abnormal growth and mutation of cells in the mouth, which gives rise to a tumor, kills normal cells and spread to other body parts.
The factors causing oral cancer aren’t apparent; however, experts have highlighted the following risk factors:
- High alcohol consumption
- Weak immune system
- Any kind of tobacco use like cigar, pipes, cigarettes, and snuff
- Excessive exposure of lips to sunlight
- Suffering from HPV
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Dentists have indicated the following symptoms for oral cancer:
- Loose teeth
- Abnormal growth or lumps at the lining of the tongue
- Bleeding from sores that don’t heal
- Pain or stiffness in the jaw
- Extreme sore throat
- Pain in the tongue while chewing or swallowing
6 Tips to Avoid the Dangers of Oral Cancer
Here are some tips to reduce the risk of oral cancer.
1. Quit Smoking
The more tobacco or tobacco-related products you consume, the higher are your chances of developing mouth, neck, and head cancers. Initially, these products cause mouth ulcers, which later develop into oral cancer. Therefore, quit smoking to lower the risk of developing oral cancer.
2. Reduce Alcohol Consumption
Drinking alcohol increases the risk of oral cancer. However, if you consume both alcohol and tobacco, you’re at the highest risk of developing mouth cancer. Alcohol irritates your mouth and causes other health issues. Therefore, reduce your alcohol consumption.
3. Take Care of Your Lips
People who have a solid previous history of getting sunburns should take care of their lips when going out in the sun. Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation directly causes oral cancer. Thus, wear SPF-protected lip balm and take other preventive measures to protect your lips against sunburns.
4. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
Regular consultation with a dentist can help avoid the severity of oral cancer and detect it in the early stage. Dentists have instruments that examine your mouth against abnormal growth and tumors. So, never hesitate to schedule dental checkups and consultations.
5. Lower Your Risk of HPV
Human papillomavirus (HPV) resides in an individual’s mouth and later causes cancer. However, it’s preventable by getting an HPV vaccine. Individuals are advised to get themselves vaccinated for HPV at an early age.
6. Eat Healthy Fruits and Vegetables
One of the primary causes of oral cancer and all other cancer types is a weak immune system. Therefore, eat fresh fruits and vegetables daily that boost your immune system and lower the risk of oral cancer.
Getting Screened for Oral Cancer
Do you want to get screened for oral cancer in Woodland Hills, CA? Head over to West Hills Smiles for quality dental treatment.
At West Hills Smiles, we offer dental implants, teeth whitening services, general dentistry services, laser gum reshaping, and emergency dental services. We’re one of the best dentists located at West Hills.
For more information about our services, contact us at (818) 346-4303.
