Oral cancer may occur as a persistent sore or growth in the mouth. In the United States, around 50,000 people are affected by oral cancer every year, and 70 percent of them happen to be men. According to WebMD, oral cancers will include cancers affecting the tongue, cheeks, lips, soft and hard palate, the floor of your mouth, pharynx, and sinuses. Experts point out that oral cancer, just like all types of cancer, is potentially life-threatening. Hence early diagnosis and prompt treatment are vital.
During a routine dental checkup, your dentist will examine thoroughly and look for trouble spots. Your dental hygienist or dentist will detect issues at an early stage when you maintain your regular dental appointments. It is the most effective way of safeguarding yourself against fatal oral cancer. Let us explore some expert tips to follow to prevent oral cancer.
Avoid Using Tobacco
If you are using tobacco, you need to stop at once. Do not get into the habit of chewing tobacco or smoking. Remember that people who use tobacco face increased (5-fold -25-fold) risks of getting oral cancer. Chewing tobacco could eventually lead to deadly cancers occurring in the oral cavity. It is mandatory to immediately stop using tobacco since it exposes all the cells present in your mouth to hazardous chemicals that trigger cancer. Quit smoking at once. About 80-90 percent of people affected by oral cancer were habitual smokers. Moreover, it has been observed that oral cancer risks dipped with quitting smoking.
Focus on Maintaining Oral Hygiene & Health
Brush your teeth twice every day. It is crucial to floss your teeth on a regular basis. It is critical to realize that an unhealthy and unclean mouth helps breed infections and germs. HPV infection is a top reason behind oral cancers. An unhygienic oral cavity could become germ-infested and adversely impact your overall immune system. Your body will fail to combat potential cancers.
Go for Regular Dental Checkups
Go for routine dental exams. Avoid missing your appointments with your dentist. Your dentist will examine thoroughly to detect precancerous changes or indications of mouth cancer. Regular checkups are mandatory if you wish to keep oral cancer at bay. This form of cancer is serious and will be manifesting itself in diverse ways. It is pivotal to identify or diagnose cancer during its early onset to stop it from advancing further and becoming fatal. Your dentist is qualified and experienced enough to notice oral cancer warning signs or detect these anomalies during the routine dental exam. Cancer exams can be painless, and non-invasive. It is high time you read about dental check-up and go for it.
Protect Your Lips from Excessive Sun Exposure
Whenever possible, remain in the shade to safeguard your lips from unnecessary sun exposure. Get into the habit of wearing a cool broad-brimmed hat to shield your entire face. It will help protect your mouth from the harmful rays of the sun. Follow a strictly daily sun protection regimen. Wear a premium quality sunscreen lip balm before stepping out in the sun.
Conclusion
It is best to avoid skipping your routine appointments with your dentist. Remember that oral issues may crop up without warning and progress very fast. By seeing a dentist regularly and opting for regular dental checkups you can safeguard yourself from fatal cancer affecting your oral cavity.
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