Obviously, no one wants to think about potentially getting oral cancer. But as they say, “knowledge is power.” Being aware of the risk factors can help you “get ahead of it” and receive timely treatment – or avoid it altogether.
Rest assured though, you’re not alone. Your dentist can help you monitor your oral health by screening for early warning signs. Keep reading so you can assess your risk and take care of your smile.
Tobacco and Alcohol Usage
You might know that smoking drastically increases your risk of lung cancer, but it’s worth noting that tobacco usage also contributes to oral cancer. In fact, experts say that tobacco use is one of the strongest risk factors, if not the strongest. Cigarettes, pipes, cigars, snuff, dip, chew – no matter what form the tobacco takes, it’ll make you much more likely to develop oral cancer.
Alcohol, meanwhile, can increase your risk when consumed in moderate or heavy amounts, making it important to keep tabs on your drinking habits.
HPV Infection
All types of HPV infections can make cells more likely to turn cancerous. That said, HPV 16 and HPV DNA are the most common strains associated with oral cancer. Fortunately, the treatment outlook for HPV related oral cancer is very good (provided you’re a non-smoker). It’s still better to avoid the risk altogether with an HPV vaccine, though!
UV Light Exposure
Sunlight and tanning beds emit UV rays, which can cause oral cancer as well as skin cancer. Though the inside of your mouth is not often exposed to UV rays, your lips are. If you’re sensitive to light or live in an area with particularly high UVs, you should protect your lips with SPF Chapstick. And most everyone should consider limiting their time spent at a tanning salon!
Reducing Your Risk
While having an oral cancer risk factor doesn’t always mean you’ll develop the disease, it never hurts to sway the odds in your favor. Try to limit or quit smoking and drinking, be safe with your partner (or get vaccinated if you can), and take protective measures against UVs.
Something rather unique about oral cancers is that they have a high survivability rate when caught early. So, another thing you can do is visit your dentist twice a year for a checkup. Dentists perform an oral cancer screening during routine exams, and a professional eye can help you monitor your oral health. By staying vigilant, you and your dentist can stop oral cancer in its tracks!
About the Author
Dr. Todd Balington is proud to serve the Denton community and other nearby areas with quality preventive dental care. If you’re at a higher risk for oral cancer or simply need to schedule your next routine checkup, he would be happy to work with you and help you monitor your oral health. To contact Dr. Balington’s office, call 940-383-3300 or request an appointment online.