Smoking Is Only One Risk That Could Increase the Chances of Getting Oral Cancer

Posted on 8/23/2021 by Pacific Maxillofacial Center

While smoking certainly can increase your risk of getting oral cancer, you can also get cancer of the mouth for other reasons too. The following information details other risks associated with mouth cancer.

Exposure to the Sun

Oral cancer may result from UV exposure to the sun. Many patients who develop oral cancer as a result of UV exposure will first notice a lesion on their lip. To prevent this type of development, you need to use a lip balm with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Otherwise, you can set yourself up for future problems.

Poor Oral Hygiene Care

If you don't brush at least twice daily for two minutes or neglect to floss each day, you can also increase your risk of oral cancer. The same holds true for denture wearers who do not clean their mouths and allow their dentures to soak overnight. The use of alcohol or tobacco only compounds the problem. Plan to have a cancer screening, at least annually, to detect cancer early before it spreads to another part of the body.

A Poor Diet or Weakened Immunity

If you don't eat properly, you also increase your cancer risk. A diet that is low in fresh fruits and vegetables increases cancer risk. People with vitamin A deficiencies may also increase their mouth cancer risk. Foods that contain vitamin A include spinach, sweet red peppers, black-eyed peas, carrots, cod liver oil, carrots, and beef liver. Some people don't know this, too - chewing on betel nuts raises the risk of getting mouth cancer. While you probably do not have this habit, it still is one of the risk factors associated with the disease. A weakened immune system can also trigger the development of oral or oropharyngeal cancer.

While you should avoid smoking or heavy alcohol consumption, you also need to practice good oral hygiene and eat healthily. Those are the best ways to ensure good oral health. Schedule regular screenings for oral cancer every year if you are over 40 years old or if you are at an increased risk for getting the disease. If you have not done so already, give us a call today to schedule an appointment for an oral cancer screening and exam.

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At Pacific Maxillofacial Center the doctors cover dental subjects, that you and your family may be interested in. Call us today, we are located nearby Honolulu!
Pacific Maxillofacial Center, 1060 Young Street #312, Honolulu, HI 96814 • 808-585-8455 • pacificmaxcenter.com • 9/18/2024 • Related Terms: Dental Implants Honolulu •