Oral cancer affects thousands of people every year, but it’s largely preventable. Your daily habits and choices can significantly reduce your risk.
Caesar Sweidan, DDS, and Laura Smith, DDS, of St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants want all our patients to know that oral cancer prevention starts with lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain risks and adopting healthier practices.
Certain lifestyle factors are directly linked to an increased risk of oral cancer. Here’s what you should eliminate from your routine to improve oral health.
Tobacco use — whether smoking or chewing — is the leading cause of oral cancer.
Tobacco contains carcinogens that damage your mouth’s tissues. If you smoke, chew, or use any other smokeless tobacco products, seek professional help to quit. Studies show that giving up tobacco reduces oral cancer risk over time.
Even secondhand smoke can increase your risk of developing oral cancer, so minimize exposure to it whenever possible.
Drinking alcohol frequently and excessively is another major risk factor for oral cancer.
Research suggests that heavy drinkers are five times more likely to develop oral and throat cancer. Alcohol damages the lining of your mouth, making it more susceptible to the carcinogens in tobacco. The effects of alcohol and tobacco combined are especially dangerous, creating a compounded risk.
Government health guidelines typically recommend limiting alcohol intake to two standard drinks or fewer per week to reduce the likelihood of oral cancer and other health complications.
Prolonged sun exposure increases your risk of lip cancers. Use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and avoid direct sunlight during peak hours (typically 11am to 3pm). Protecting your lips from harmful UV radiation is a simple but essential preventive step.
Preventing oral cancer isn’t just about avoiding harmful habits — it’s also about building healthy ones. Here are measures to incorporate into your daily routine:
Regular dental checkups are critical for early detection of oral cancer. During regular checkups, we can spot early warning signs like red or white patches, sores that don’t heal, or lumps in your mouth.
We can also tell you how to maintain good oral hygiene, another essential aspect of cancer prevention.
Brush your teeth and tongue twice daily using fluoride toothpaste, and floss daily to remove plaque buildup. This prevents gum disease and other oral health issues that may contribute to your cancer risk.
If you wear dentures, ensure they fit correctly and clean them daily. Ill-fitting dentures can cause irritation and sores, increasing your vulnerability to cancer.
Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can protect you against oral cancer. Spinach, carrots, and kale are packed with carotenoids, which are antioxidants that reduce cell damage. Similarly, fruits like oranges and berries contain vitamins and phytochemicals that limit carcinogenic effects.
Don’t eat too much red and processed meat, as these have been linked to higher cancer risks. Instead, focus on whole, plant-based foods to nourish your body while maintaining a healthy weight.
Hydration supports oral health by flushing toxins from your system, while green tea provides antioxidants that may reduce your cancer risk.
By avoiding harmful habits and implementing preventive measures, you can dramatically lower your risk of oral cancer. If you find a suspicious lesion, we can perform an oral biopsy to determine if cancer cells are present.
Call us at St. Tammany Periodontics & Implants in Covington or Slidell, Louisiana, to request an appointment.
