Lower Your Chances of Developing Oral Cavity Cancer
Oral cancer is a serious condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The good news is that many cases of oral cancer can be prevented through lifestyle choices and early detection. At Aesthetic Dental Associates, our dental team provides oral cancer screenings during your routine visits. To schedule an appointment, contact our Seattle dentist by calling (206) 682-3888. We’ll perform an exam and discuss prevention for oral cancer.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the oral cavity. Common symptoms include persistent mouth sores, lumps or masses, red or white patches, pain, difficulty swallowing, and voice changes. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact our dentist or your primary healthcare provider as soon as possible.
How to Prevent Oral Cancer
While we can’t always control when or how cancer develops, there are preventive measures we can take to lower our risk of developing the disease.
Tobacco and Alcohol Avoidance
The most significant risk factors for oral cancer are tobacco use (including smoking and smokeless tobacco) and excessive alcohol consumption. Avoiding these substances or quitting if you currently use them can significantly reduce your risk.
Healthy Diet
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of oral cancer. These foods are high in antioxidants, which can protect cells from damage. Some studies also suggest a link between consuming processed meats and oral cancer. Limit your intake of processed meats like hot dogs, sausages, and bacon.
Sun Protection
Lip cancer can be caused by excessive sun exposure. Use lip balm or sunscreen on your lips when spending time in the sun, and wear a wide-brimmed hat for extra protection.
Oral Hygiene
Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth regularly, flossing, and visiting our dentist for regular check-ups. Oral health is essential for overall health and can help detect early signs of oral cancer.
HPV Vaccination
Some types of human papillomavirus (HPV) are associated with oral cancer. Vaccination against HPV can reduce your risk of developing these types of infections.
Oral Self-Exams
Regularly examine your mouth for any changes, such as sores, lumps, or white or red patches. If you notice any unusual changes that don’t heal within two weeks, contact our dentist or your healthcare provider.
Education and Awareness
Stay informed about the signs and symptoms of oral cancer. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes. You should also be aware of your risk factors, especially if you have a family history of oral cancer or other risk factors like a weakened immune system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vitamin C found in broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, spinach, and other leafy greens may help prevent mouth cancer. Vitamin E is also believed to have a preventive role against oral cancer due to its ability to inhibit carcinogens.
Oral cancers primarily affect individuals aged 40 and older and have a higher occurrence rate in males, affecting them more than twice as often as females. The majority of oral cancers are associated with either tobacco or alcohol consumption, while throat cancers are predominantly attributed to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). believed to have a preventive role against oral cancer due to its ability to inhibit carcinogens.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening Today!
Lower your risk of oral cavity cancers by scheduling your annual screening today! Our Seattle dental team will perform an exam and ensure you’re healthy. To get started, contact our dental office today at (206) 682-3888.
