Cancel Mouth Cancer: Three Preventive Steps You Should Take Now

Each year in the United States, over 58,000 people receive a diagnosis of mouth cancer. Also known as oral cancer, these types of cancers can affect your tongue, gums, and floor of your mouth.

Fortunately, mouth cancer is usually curable when detected early. November is Mouth Cancer Action Month, making it the perfect time to learn how to lower your risk.

Our expert team at Swinney Dental in Tyler, Texas, provides preventive dentistry services for people of all ages.

To reduce your risk of mouth cancer, consider the following proven steps.

1. Avoid tobacco products

Whether chewed or smoked, tobacco raises your risk of oral cancer.  In fact, an estimated 90% of people who develop mouth cancer smoke regularly. This is because of the carcinogenic chemicals that cigarettes and tobacco contain.

While a smoking habit means you’re six times more likely to develop cancer in your mouth, your risk drops significantly within five years of quitting. Quitting chewing tobacco brings similar benefits.

If you struggle to stop using tobacco products, seek support. Learning other ways to manage stress and taking medication, in the form of nicotine gum, a patch, or an inhaler, can help, too.

2. Limit or avoid alcohol

Drinking the occasional bit of wine won’t likely lead to oral cancer. However, drinking regularly or in large amounts may. Drinking heavily, or more than 21 servings per week, is the second leading risk factor for oral cancer. (One serving is equal to just over one-half cup of wine or a soda-size can of beer.)

Healthy women should limit alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day. Healthy men should not have more than two drinks daily before age 65 and up to one daily drink after that. 

If you struggle with alcohol dependence, seek professional guidance. In particular, seek professional care for detoxification, or the 2-7 days while your body withdraws from alcohol.

3. Get routine dental cleanings and exams

Our team checks for mouth cancer signs during exams at routine cleanings. By detecting early signs, such as small lesions, oral cancer screenings help ensure the cancer is effectively treated before it spreads. While treatment for stage one oral cancer may involve surgery to remove cancerous cells, advanced stages often require more intense care, like chemotherapy.

Professional dental cleanings may protect you from mouth cancer by removing harmful plaque or tartar buildup and improving your gum health. Severe gum disease, known as periodontitis, has been linked with the disease. We can also provide personalized guidance for brushing and flossing.

We often recommend dental cleanings once every six months. However, if you notice an unusual sore, lump, or painful patch in your mouth, a cancer screening may be necessary.

To get on track with your dental health and lower your risk of oral cancer, call Swinney Dental today. You can also schedule an appointment using our convenient online booking feature.