What Your Dentist Wants You to Know About Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer Awareness Month is a time dedicated to raising awareness about the risks and prevention of oral cancer. This month serves as a reminder to prioritize our oral health and understand the factors that contribute to this potentially life-threatening disease. By increasing our knowledge and taking proactive measures, we can reduce the incidence of oral cancer and improve overall well-being. Keep reading as we delve into the important information you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones from oral cancer.

11 Common Oral Cancer Risk Factors

While oral cancer can impact individuals regardless of their background, it’s important to be aware of the specific risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing this type of cancer. By understanding these common oral cancer risk factors, we can take proactive steps to protect our oral health. They include:

• Age, with oral cancer being more common in people over 40 years old
• Having a family history of oral cancer or other types of cancer
• Exposure to sunlight, which can raise your risk of lip cancer
• Other types of cancer in the head or neck
• A diet that’s low in fruits and veggies
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
• A weakened immune system
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Chronic poor oral hygiene
• Tobacco use

8 Tips for Minimizing Your Risk of Oral Cancer

To reduce the risk of developing oral cancer, consider implementing these helpful tips:

• Avoid tobacco and drinking excessively: Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake are two pivotal actions that can significantly decrease your risk of developing oral cancer.
• Protect your lips from the sun: Shield your lips from harmful UV rays and reduce the risk of sun-related damage by opting for a lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15.
• Get regular dental checkups: Scheduling regular dental visits is essential so your dentist can perform routine exams to check for signs of oral cancer.
• Eat a healthy diet: Exercise caution and minimize your consumption of sugary, acidic, and starchy foods and beverages.Incorporating a diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, dairy, nuts, lean meats, and fish essential vitamins and minerals that can aid in cancer prevention.
• Know the signs and symptoms: Stay mindful of any changes in your mouth, such as the presence of sores, lumps, or white/red patches. If you notice anything unusual, promptly schedule an appointment with your dentist.
• Maintain optimal oral health: Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine by brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Additionally, make it a habit to floss your teeth nightly and incorporate the use of antibacterial mouthwash into your routine.
• Lead a healthy lifestyle: Along with maintaining a balanced diet, be sure to keep up an exercise routine to boost your immune system.
• Drink plenty of water: Water plays a crucial role in oral hygiene as it aids in the removal of food particles and bacteria and stimulates saliva production to keep the mouth moist.

About the Practice

When it comes to exceptional dental care, look no further than the trusted professionals at Oshkosh Complete Dentistry. With their team’s commitment to exceptional customer service and personalized care for patients of all ages, you can expect outstanding treatment. They offer a wide range of comprehensive dental services, including routine checkups and thorough oral cancer screenings, ensuring your oral health remains in optimal condition. With their expertise in the latest dental techniques and unwavering dedication, Oshkosh Complete Dentistry is the perfect partner for all your dental needs. To schedule an appointment or to learn more, visit their website or call (920) 235-0320.