Do You Know the Facts About Your Risk of Oral Cancer?

You may be more at risk for oral cancer, depending on a variety of factors. Although oral cancer can affect anyone at any age, there are certain risk factors that can increase the chances of developing oral cancer. Knowing your personal risk factors can help you make more informed lifestyle choices, and possibly keep you from a diagnosis.

Oral cancer (a type of head and neck cancer) includes cancers of the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, palate, sinuses, cheeks and throat. This destructive disease is treatable if detected early. Education about risk factors for oral cancer help increase early detection, which can save lives.

Risk factors for oral cancer

The risk for oral cancer varies depending on many different factors. Although some who have a heightened risk for oral cancer may never get it, it is still important to know whether a patient should be cautious of certain choices. Some risk factors that increase the risk for oral cancer include tobacco use, sun exposure, excessive alcohol intake, gender, skin color, age, and poor oral hygiene, among others.

Tobacco use

Anyone who uses tobacco products, such as cigarettes or chew are twice as likely to get oral cancer. Tobacco includes anything from cigars and pipes to snuff. Most cases of oral cancer are due to tobacco use. Cancer related to tobacco use usually occurs on the lips, gums, cheeks and inner surface of the lips.

Sun exposure

Whether a patient has a job that requires a lot of outdoor time or a habit of tanning, any prolonged sun exposure can increase the risk of getting oral cancer. Excessive periods of sun exposure uninhibited by sunscreen are linked to lip cancers. Try to limit UV radiation exposure by protecting skin from the sun, either with sunblock or protective clothing.

Excessive alcohol intake

Alcohol does not just affect the liver. Heavy drinkers are almost twice as likely to get oral cancer. Additionally, many who partake in alcohol use can sometimes do that in combination with tobacco, which increases the risk even more.

Gender

Men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer than women.

Skin color

Those with fair skin have a higher chance of getting lip cancer. Sunburns are one of the main reasons for cancers of the lips in people with lighter skin tones. Always protect skin from sun exposure when going outside.

Age

Most oral cancer cases are diagnosed over the age of 45. Oral cancer can develop in a person of any age or walk of life, but statistically speaking, those over 45 may be at a higher risk.

Poor oral hygiene

Cancer of the mouth (also known as the oral cavity) is heavily linked to a history of poor oral hygiene. Persistent gum disease and tooth decay can change the state of the mouth. Teeth and gum problems are connected to problems in the rest of the body as well, including the heart. Tobacco and alcohol use wreaks havoc on the mouth, causing staining and changing the composition of the tissue.

Get checked for oral cancer

Oral cancer screenings can be done in just a few minutes during your bi-annual dental cleaning and checkup. Although your dentist is already trained to be looking out for signs of oral cancer, be sure to bring up any concerns you may have regarding your oral health.

Request an appointment here: https://familychoicedentistry.com or call Family Choice Dental at (505) 634-5657 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Related Posts

Dental Implants As Part Of A Smile Makeover

Are you considering a smile makeover? Read on to learn more. Dental implants provide a strong and visually appealing solution for all those struggling with the loss of multiple teeth, particularly concerning a smile makeover. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, over three million Americans have dental implants and the number is growing…

What To Do If Your Dental Crown Falls Off

A dental crown can be an ideal way to restore the health and appearance of a damaged tooth. It can last for 10 to 15 years with proper care. However, dental crowns can sometimes come out prematurely. When this occurs, it is important to know how to handle the situation properly.If a patient's dental crown…

Smile Makeover Options For Discolored Teeth

A smile makeover treatment can target dental stains and discoloration. Some of them affect the surface, while others penetrate the deeper layers of the mouth. A full evaluation can determine the right procedure to correct this cosmetic dental issue. Here are the common smile makeover options you should consider for your discolored or stained teeth.Despite…

Common Procedures Used For A Smile Makeover

A smile makeover can transform your looks and dental function. This is a collection of treatments that you can get for one or more appointments. Understanding how each one works can help you make informed decisions on treatment day. Here are the common smile makeover procedures that you should consider.These are custom-fit shells that cover…