Am I At Risk for Oral Cancer?

Per the American Cancer Society, 51,000 people in the U.S. this year will be diagnosed with oral cancer—but don’t let this frighten you! Oral cancer is actually among the most preventable types of cancer, but only if you’re properly maintaining your oral health. You still might be wondering what warning signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for; here’s what you need to know about oral cancer and what can possibly cause it, along with some ways to minimize your chances of developing it.

Things That Increase the Risk of Developing Oral Cancer

Researchers aren’t quite sure what causes oral cancer, but they have been able to link it to quite a few different things including:

• Smoking and tobacco use (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless and chewing tobacco)
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• A weakened immune system
• Sun or radiation exposure
• Other types of head or neck cancer

Minimizing Your Risk of Oral Cancer

Preventing oral cancer lines up with making smart and healthy lifestyle choices, and the biggest one of all is to never start smoking or quit if you already do—though it is impossible to fully prevent oral cancer, smoking is notorious for causing it!

Additionally, a well-balanced diet consisting of natural fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats will help to fortify your body and immune system and increase your overall level of protection. Try to avoid excessive sugar and processed/artificial foods, as they often contain ingredients that are linked to oral cancer and other health problems.

You should also protect your lips; consider using SPF lip balm and limiting your mouth’s exposure to the sun and other forms of radiation. Also show caution when consuming hot beverages—a small burn can sometimes lead to a big infection!

Symptoms And Warning Signs to Watch For

Your whole mouth is vulnerable to oral cancer, so there are quite a few things you’ll want to look out for:

• Swelling in your neck
• Lumps in your cheeks
• Mouth sores on the gums, tonsils, and lining of the mouth
• Constant bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving your jaw and tongue
• Unexplainable weight loss

If you have symptoms that persist for more than two weeks, you should contact your dentist immediately. Prolonging treatment can greatly increase the risk of oral cancer developing, as well as other serious problems.

Oral cancer might be a little scary, but there are many warning signs to look out for and many things you can do to minimize your risk of developing it. If you’re ever unsure about something, contact your dentist—you have nothing to lose by protecting yourself from this nasty disease.

About the Author

With two decades of experience and training in a wide variety of fields, Dr. Laura Philipps is proud to serve the dental needs of patients and families in Midland, TX. Dr. Philipps completed her DMD at Tufts University and is a member of many professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. Her practice offers a wide range of practices including oral screenings. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or to schedule an appointment—you can contact Dr. Philipps at her website or by telephone: (432) 570-4433.