Taking care of your teeth and gums can save your life. Your oral health care routine can help prevent and find oral cancer and keep your teeth and gums healthy. Oral cancer can happen to anyone, so it's important to know the warning signs, risk factors, and ways to prevent it.
Oral cancer is head and neck cancer that happens when cells in the mouth or throat change, mutate, or grow out of control. Cancer of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat are all types of oral cancer. About 53,000 new cases of these cancers are found each year in the United States, which is about 3% of all cancer cases. Oral cancer is easier to treat, and people are more likely to live if it is found early.
Even though it's unclear what makes cells change in ways that lead to oral cancer, doctors have found things that may increase the risk of getting it. Tobacco and alcohol use are both risk factors, and when they are both present, the risk is much higher than when only one is present. Here is a quick list of things that could put you at risk for oral cancer.
Tobacco use, like smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or smokeless tobacco like dip, snuff, or chewing tobacco, is one of the main causes of oral cancer.
People who drink too much alcohol are six times more likely to get oral cancer than those who don't. If you use both alcohol and tobacco, your chances are even higher.Too much time in the sun. The sun's ultraviolet rays can cause lip cancer.
Some strains of HPV are risk factors for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a type of oral cancer (OSCC).
Most people with oral cancer are 55 years old or older.
Men are at least two times more likely to get oral cancer than women.Studies show that a diet low in fruits and vegetables is linked to oral cancer.
Oral cancer is a dangerous disease that can be caused by many things. It is important to be aware of the risks and to take steps to protect yourself. If you are concerned about your oral health, please visit our dental clinic for a consultation. Our team of dental experts will be happy to answer any of your questions and help you maintain good oral health.
When you find out you have cancer, it can affect more than just your body. You may also have social, emotional, or mental problems on top of the physical changes and challenges. Oral cancer can make it hard to chew and swallow, making it hard to gain weight and get enough nutrients. Some treatments, like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, can cause face changes that make it hard to talk or feel confident.
If you have been told you have oral cancer, the cancer experts have the knowledge and experience to help you through it with comfort and care. Your physical, mental, and emotional health are all very important, and you will be helped every step of the way.
As part of your home oral health care routine, which should include brushing and flossing twice a day, you can also check your tongue, gums, and cheeks for anything that seems out of the ordinary.
Also, you must see your dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups. As part of your professional cleaning, your hygienist will look in your mouth for changes or signs of oral cancer.
Suppose your dentist or hygienist notices a change or something that looks suspicious. In that case, they will send you to an oral surgeon for a biopsy or an oral pathologist for an evaluation.
Most of the time, bacteria are kept in check by the body's natural defenses and good oral health care, like brushing and flossing daily. But if you don't care for your teeth and gums properly, bacteria can grow to levels that could cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Foods that are high in nutrients are good for your health. This means at least five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Whole grain pieces of bread and cereals, lean meats like chicken, turkey, or fish, and low-fat dairy products are good sources of nutrients.