Bad Habits That Herald Oral Cancer

Posted January 15, 2018.

Nearly 50,000 people each year will be diagnosed with a form of cancer of the mouth or throat. Apart from looking for the typical development of cavities and gum disease, your dentist will also be watchful to the potential of oral cancer during your check-ups.

There are seven major risk factors that seem to accompany all oral cancers. In some cases, changing a few bad habits will reduce your likelihood of catching the dreadful disease. Some habits or conditions to consider when looking at the symptoms of oral cancer include the following:

Gender: For some reason, men have double the chance of getting oral cancer than women. The American Cancer Society says that this is because of higher rates of tobacco and alcohol use.

Sun Exposure: Lip cancer is a problem in people who work outside. Good advice is the use of UV protection.

Improper Diet: Eat more vegetables and fruits if you want to avoid developing oral cancer. Bad nutrition brings bad cancers of the mouth.

Tobacco Use: All types of tobacco use dramatically increase your risk of oral cancer. Smoking also can promote cancers in other parts of the body. Chew leads to several issues of the mouth, cheeks, gums, and lips.

Alcohol Consumption: Another stat from the American Cancer Society says that heavy drinkers are also at risk. 7 out of 10 diagnosed with oral cancer average two or more drinks a day.

HPV – Human Papilloma Virus: A high amount of head and neck cancer patients also have the STD known as HPV–this according to the CDC.

Old Age: If you are fifty-five years of age or older you are in the range of most that are getting oral cancer. Although, we are finding that young males are more often diagnosed with HPV-related types of oral cancer.

If you are concerned about oral cancer, Dr. Steven Sachs would be happy to help you. If we can answer questions, please contact Sachs Family Dental at 801-225-4701, or come by our office in Orem, Utah.