Each year in the United States, approximately 60,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed. Though these only account for about three percent of all cancer diagnoses, this number is still troublingly high, causing more than 9,750 deaths and killing one person an hour, 24 hours a day. The good news is that regular visits to your dentist can help protect you from oral cancer, as your regular preventive exam and cleaning includes an oral cancer screening. If caught early, this disease can be treated, hopefully increasing your odds of survival. Here are some factors that can put you at risk for oral cancer, and what you can do to protect yourself.
Tobacco Use
Whether you vape, chew, snuff, or smoke cigarettes, pipes, or cigars, any tobacco usage whatsoever can increase your risk of oral cancer. Thus, to lower your risk, work towards quitting using these products, or never begin using them in the first place!
Alcohol Consumption
Frequent heavy alcohol consumption increases your risk of developing mouth cancer. Combined with tobacco use, your odds of developing this condition are even higher.
Sun Damage on the Lips
Exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun and from tanning beds can increase your risk of lip cancer, as well as other forms of cancer such as skin cancer, so be sure to avoid excessive exposure, and wear an SPF when you go outside.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Human papillomavirus is a virus that can spread through sexual contact. Though it typically goes away on its own, in some cases it can cause changes in cells which can lead to oral cancer.
Weakened Immune System
If you are taking medications to control your immune system following an organ transplant or an HIV infection, these can increase your odds of developing oral cancer.
Preventing Oral Cancer
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent oral cancer, there are still many things you can do to lower your risk, including:
- Don’t use tobacco products
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Wear an SPF / limit sun exposure
- Get the HPV vaccine
- Visit your dentist regularly for oral cancer screenings
Remember, oral cancer can be deadly if not caught and treated promptly, but there is still plenty you can do to lower your risk of developing it, including visiting your dentist every six months for your regular, biannual exam and cleaning appointments. It could save your life!
About Our Practice
At Lifetime Dental of Gainesville, Dr. Her and Dr. Pennington know that part of protecting your smile is ensuring that you’re safe from a variety of conditions like oral cancer. Whether you are at an increased risk of developing this condition, or if you’d simply enjoy the peace of mind that regular screenings bring, one of the best ways to monitor your health is through routine preventive care. To schedule your biannual exam and checkup and receive your oral cancer screening, please visit our website or call us today at 770-536-6688.