How to Prevent Oral Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, the risk for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers increases in people who use tobacco than in those who don't. Though avoiding certain risk factors can prevent oral cancer, it can still develop due to age, gender, and genetics. For example, oral cancer is twice as common in men than women.
Other risk factors of oral cancer include:
- Smoking
- Smokeless tobacco
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Heavy alcohol use
- Excessive exposure to the sun and UV light
- Poor diet
Several oral cancer signs could have other, less dramatic causes, so reporting any unusual symptoms to your dentist and dental hygienist is essential. The earlier any suspected oral cancer is found, the better the survival rates. While your dental professional will perform routine checks during your regular examination and may even check for oral cancer using special diagnostic equipment, make sure to report any new or unusual developments in between checkups with a phone call or visit.