How to Minimize Your Risks of Developing Oral Cancer
Posted on 7/7/2020 by Office
Oral cancer is a condition that affects over 53,000 Americans. We will be going over the key ways to minimize your risk of getting oral cancer.
Quitting Smoking
If you are a smoker, then you owe it to yourself to take action and work on quitting; smoking is one of the biggest causes of oral cancer. But how does smoking cause oral cancer? The chemicals found in tobacco products change the genetics of the cells found in your mouth. People who smoke are 5 to 10 times more at risk than nonsmokers, making it dangerous for not only your lungs but your overall oral health. Try switching to non-tobacco nicotine products that help aid the quitting process.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Following the standard brushing twice a day and flossing once a day rule will go a long way in minimizing your risk. This isn't foolproof, and if you are still smoking heavily, you are still at risk, but it is a key aspect for your oral health
Cut Down On Alcohol
Having a drink or two to unwind at night is perfectly fine, but if you are a heavy drinker you are increasing the risk of developing oral cancer. This is especially so if you also smoke. Alcohol makes it even easier for the chemicals inside tobacco to get inside cells, thus this combo is especially dangerous.
Eat Healthier
Having enough nutrients per day is one of the key ways to keep your body functioning efficiently. And what better way to get the nutrients you need than to eat foods that are good for your body? Fresh (or frozen) fruits and vegetables are loaded with the vitamins and antioxidants that will help keep the health of both your body and mouth in check.
If you concerned about your oral health, book an appointment with us by giving our office a call. It is always a good time to check for problems before they get out of hand.
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Dental Blog | Tania Tran, DMD - Grove Street Family Dentistry Dr. Tania Tran has provided this educational blog as a resource for the community. We hope that this blog will cover subjects you may be interested in. Call us! Grove Street Family Dentistry - Tania Tran, DMD, 1533 Grove Street, Marysville, WA 98270-4325 | (360) 659-3200 | grovestreetdentist.com | 12/6/2024 | Tags: dentist |