Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Although oral cancer is a serious and usually fatal ailment, many people are unaware of it. April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month in the United States, providing us with a critical opportunity to learn more about this illness, appreciate the risk factors, and determine the most effective measures to prevent it from happening. The importance of oral cancer awareness will be discussed, and some of the best preventative strategies will be examined.
Common Causes of Oral Cancer
Lifestyle factors like smoking, drinking alcohol, and using other tobacco products are the most common causes of oral cancer. A weakened immune system, poor oral hygiene, an HPV infection, and too much sun exposure are other risk factors.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer can develop in any part of the mouth, including the lips, cheeks, tongue, tonsils, and even the sinuses. The head and neck may also be affected. Each year, there are around 53,000 new instances of oral cancer in the US.
How to Prevent Oral Cancer
Understanding the dangers is essential to reducing your risk of oral cancer. You can lower your risk in a number of ways, such as:
- Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol
- Wearing lip balm with SPF
- Covering up exposed areas of skin when outdoors
- Practicing good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing
- Regularly visiting your dentist for cleanings and checkups
- Eating a healthy diet
It is crucial to visit the dentist often so our staff can look for any changes because oral cancer is frequently difficult to identify in its early stages. Early identification is essential for the successful treatment of oral cancer. If you have any concerns regarding your dental health, don’t be afraid to get in touch with our team.