Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, gums, cheek linings, and throat. It is the sixth most common type of cancer, and it is one of the deadliest. Risk factors can include tobacco use, alcohol abuse, poor diet, excessive sun exposure, and HPV infections. Here’s what you can do to reduce your risk, and why you should get screened at your next dental checkup.
Quit Smoking or Vaping
Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for oral cancer. Cigarettes, vapes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco all contain toxic, cancer-causing chemicals. The more often you use these products, the more often your mouth gets exposed to carcinogens. Quitting completely will significantly improve your oral health and reduce your risk of oral cancer.
Drink Less Alcohol
You don’t have to quit drinking completely to improve your oral health, but cutting back can make a huge difference if you tend to drink heavily. Alcohol abuse (more than three drinks a day) is linked to an increased risk of oral cancer, and smoking or vaping when you drink makes your risk even higher.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains improves both bodily and oral health. An inflammatory diet increases the risk of cancer, while a healthy diet supports a strong immune system, helping prevent cancer. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as raspberries, blueberries, kale, spinach, and artichokes, can help reduce your risk of cancer by neutralizing free radicals in the body.
Minimize Sun Exposure
Many people wear sunscreen but forget to protect their lips when they go outside. But the lips can develop cancer from sun exposure, just like the skin on any other part of the body. In fact, lips are more vulnerable because they have almost no melanin. Try to avoid going outside during peak sun hours (11 am – 4 pm in Utah) when possible. When you do go out, make sure to wear an SPF 30 lip balm, and reapply it every two hours.
Get the HPV Vaccine
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection that can cause both reproductive and oral cancers. According to the CDC, HPV accounts for 60-70% of oropharyngeal cancer cases. It can cause cancerous growths in the back of the throat, the tonsils, and the base of the tongue. The best way to protect yourself against HPV is by getting the vaccine.
Oral Cancer Screenings in South Jordan
Did you know you always get an oral cancer screening when you visit the dentist for a checkup? We check for signs of oral cancer during the routine exam, including sores that don’t heal, white or red patches, and lumps.
It’s also important to let us know if you’ve noticed any sores, bumps, or other changes in your mouth that have lasted over two weeks. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the better the outcome, so make sure to keep up with your twice-a-year appointments.
If you’re due for a dental checkup, don’t put it off. A thorough cleaning will give you a brighter, healthier smile, and a comprehensive oral exam allows us to screen for potential problems. Contact Copper Creek Dental in Daybreak to schedule an appointment today.
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