Tens of thousands of people are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. Identifying the disease as early as possible can make all the difference for treatment, which is why it’s so important to receive regular oral cancer screenings from your dentist. But just how likely are you to develop this potentially life-threatening health issue? Here is a closer look at the risk factors for oral cancer as well as steps you can take to protect yourself.
What are the Risk Factors for Oral Cancer?
While the exact cause of oral cancer is not completely clear, there are a number of factors that are known to make it more likely to occur:
- Tobacco Products: Studies have shown that people who smoke or use other forms of tobacco tend to have a higher risk for oral cancer.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Heavy drinking – defined as 8 or more drinks a week for women and 15 or more drinks a week for men – is a major risk factor for oral cancer, especially if it’s combined with tobacco use.
- HPV: In recent years, more and more cases of oral cancer have been linked to HPV infections, particularly among younger people.
- Sun Exposure: Spending too much time in the sun can increase your risk for cancer of the lip.
How Can You Reduce Your Risk for Oral Cancer?
Once you’re aware of the risk factors for oral cancer, you can start taking the appropriate steps to protect yourself from it. Here are a few things you can do to lower your risk of developing cancer of the mouth:
- Give up smoking, or never start smoking in the first place.
- Cut down your consumption of alcohol.
- Wear SPF lip balm to keep your lips safe from the sun.
- Maintain a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Practice good oral health habits like brushing at least two times a day.
Bear in mind that even if you do everything right, you can never completely eliminate your risk for oral cancer. As such, it’s important to keep an eye out for potential symptoms of the disease, such as odd lumps or discolored patches in your mouth. Sometimes the warning signs won’t always be obvious, which is why oral cancer screenings are so important. The earlier your oral cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better your chances of surviving over the next five years will be.
About the Author
Dr. John Petty went to the University of Alabama School of Dentistry in Birmingham, and he served for three years in the National Health Service Corps. At Petty Dental in Tullahoma, he helps his patients protect their smiles with reliable preventive dentistry services, which include thorough oral cancer screenings. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Petty, visit his website or call (931) 454-9499.