Oral Cancer Screening
Get Tested Today: Oral Cancer Screenings
Hearing your dentist say you need to undergo oral cancer screening may sound scary. However, oral cancer screening is an integral part of routine dental exams. The goal in this procedure is to detect early symptoms of mouth cancer.
Oral cancer can be treated successfully if it gets detected early. According to the Canadian Dental Association, the cause of oral cancer is the abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat.
What are the Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
According to the American Dental Association, men are twice as likely to get oral cancer than women. Here are more factors that may increase your risks of developing oral cancer:
- Oral cancer diagnosis. If you have been previously diagnosed with oral cancer, you can gather advice from dental professionals on necessary treatments.
- Smoking. Consuming tobacco products of any kind may also contribute to oral cancer. If you are by any chance a heavy smoker, make sure to let your dentist know. You may have to receive more dental procedures depending on the effects of tobacco on your oral health.
- Drinking. Heavy alcohol use is another possible reason that oral cancer may develop. When heavy drinking is combined with smoking, the impact on your oral health can be more adverse.
- Excessive exposure to sun. If you have a history of significant sun exposure, this can increase your risk of getting lip cancer.
- Human papilloma virus (HPV). The CDA says that the human papilloma virus (HPV) also presents a significant risk of developing oral cancers.
Reduce Risks of Oral Cancer
There’s no guaranteed way to avoid mouth cancer but there are ways that you can lower your risks of getting it. Some of them include:
- Withdraw from smoking. Since smoking has a significant risk factor, not using tobacco can help protect your mouth against cancer-causing chemicals.
- Avoid drinking. Drink in moderation. Excessive drinking can make your mouth vulnerable to cancer.
- Eat balanced diet. Make sure to add fruits and vegetables to your diet. Antioxidants and vitamins from these food groups can help reduce risk cancer.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. If you are heading to the beach or going out in broad daylight, wear protective gear such as a wide-brimmed hat. Be sure to apply sunscreen on your lips, too.
- Take routine trips to the dentist. Your dentist will be able to examine your entire mouth for you.
It’s never too late to take charge of your oral health.
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See a dentist at Rundle in NE Calgary today and inquire about oral cancer screening.