How To Prevent Oral Cancer

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Last year alone, it was estimated that almost 50,000 people throughout the United States were diagnosed with oral cancer. Unfortunately, around 10,000 of these individuals will pass away from the condition and men are much more vulnerable to this disease than woman. With these shocking numbers, you might be surprised to learn that oral cancer is a highly preventable disease and very treatable, if it is caught early enough. This is why it is imperative to know exactly what to look for and how to go about preventing this condition. Below, you will learn some amazing tip, tricks, and techniques that will help prevent oral cancer.

Loading Up On Fruits And Vegetables

Most individuals aren't aware of the fact that a deficiency in nutrients can lead to major changes in your mouth, which makes you more vulnerable to cancer. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants that really increase your immune system, which will not only improve your oral health, but your overall health. Right around 5 servings a day should be sufficient enough to help prevent this horrible disease. Carrots, squash, and Brussels sprouts are extremely beneficial to the mouth.

Stop Chewing And Smoking Tobacco

It has been a well-known fact for a long time now that smokeless and smoked tobacco both cause cancer. Even if you are just a weekend smoker or chewer, you might think that you are safe from oral cancer. However, this is a major misconception. Even the occasional smoke or chew can cause you to develop oral cancer. Your best bet is to just kick the habit altogether.

Use Appropriate Sun Protection

You might think that a lot of time in the sun only makes you vulnerable to skin cancer, but this is not always the case. In fact, the sun can also damage your lips and cause oral cancer. If you plan on being in the sun during the middle of the day when it is at its strongest, make sure that you are using appropriate protection on your lips. A wide brimmed hat and a lip balm with at least a SPF rating of 15 will be sufficient enough protection to keep your safe.

Regular Visits To The Dentist Office

Sometimes brushing and flossing alone just isn't enough. Choosing a good dental office like Ironwood Dental to visit on a regular basis can go a long way in preventing oral cancer. Not only can the professionals at the office show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth, but they can also identify problem areas and rectify them before they become too serious.

Stay Away From The Alcohol

There is nothing wrong with having a celebratory drink from time to time, but if you do not monitor your intake, you could make yourself vulnerable to oral cancer. Heavy drinking over the years can make your mouth extremely vulnerable. In fact, if you are consuming more than 3 or 4 drinks a day regularly, you need to consider cutting back, because you are doubling your chances of developing oral cancer.