Mouth cancer can affect anyone, but there are certain lifestyle factors that can increase your risk. The good news is that there are positive steps you can take to look after your oral health and reduce some of these risks.
As part of Mouth Cancer Awareness Month, we’re looking at some of the ways you can help protect your mouth and why regular dental care should be part of your overall approach to staying healthy.
Avoid Smoking and Tobacco Products
Smoking and using tobacco products are among the biggest risk factors for mouth cancer.
Tobacco can damage the cells in your mouth over time, increasing the risk of developing cancer. This includes cigarettes, cigars and other forms of smoked tobacco, as well as smokeless tobacco products.
If you smoke, stopping can significantly reduce your risk. If you’re thinking about quitting, speak to your GP, pharmacist or a stop smoking service for support.
Keep Alcohol Consumption Within Recommended Limits
Drinking alcohol can also increase your risk of mouth cancer, particularly when combined with smoking.
The more alcohol you drink, the greater the risk. Cutting down on the amount you drink, having alcohol-free days and staying within the recommended limits can all help reduce your risk.
Remember, there is no completely risk-free level of alcohol consumption when it comes to cancer risk, so reducing your intake can be a positive step for your overall health.
Protect Your Lips From the Sun
We often remember to protect our skin from the sun, but our lips need protection too.
Long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can increase the risk of cancer affecting the lips. When spending time outdoors, particularly during the summer months, consider using a lip balm with SPF and seek shade where possible.
It’s a simple addition to your usual sun protection routine that can help protect your lips from prolonged UV exposure.
Look After Your Oral Health
Good oral hygiene is an important part of maintaining a healthy mouth.
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth and attending regular dental appointments can help keep your teeth, gums and mouth healthy.
While good oral hygiene cannot prevent all cases of mouth cancer, looking after your mouth and being aware of any changes means you’re more likely to notice when something doesn’t feel or look quite right.
Don’t Ignore Changes in Your Mouth
Knowing what is normal for your mouth can make it easier to recognise when something has changed.
If you notice an unusual change in your mouth that doesn’t settle, don’t simply wait for your next routine appointment. It’s important to have anything persistent or concerning assessed by a dental professional.
This could include a change affecting your mouth, tongue, lips or gums. You don’t need to diagnose the problem yourself, that’s what our dental team is there for!
Attend Your Regular Dental Appointments
One of the simplest things you can do for your oral health is keep up with your routine dental examinations.
A dental examination isn’t just about checking for cavities. Your dentist also assesses the health of your gums and the soft tissues in your mouth, looking for anything that may need further investigation.
Regular appointments give your dental team the opportunity to monitor your oral health over time and advise you if they notice anything unusual.
And if you haven’t been for a check-up recently, there’s no need to put it off.
Small Changes Can Make a Difference
There isn’t one single way to completely prevent mouth cancer, and some risk factors cannot be controlled. However, making healthier choices around smoking, alcohol, sun protection and oral health can help reduce your risk.
Most importantly, don’t ignore changes in your mouth and make sure you keep up with your regular dental examinations.
Looking After Your Mouth Starts with a Check-Up
If you’re due a dental examination, now is a great time to book your appointment. At Perio World Dental Suites, our team can assess your overall oral health and help you maintain a healthy mouth for the long term.
Book your appointment with Perio World Dental Suites today and make your oral health a priority.
📞 01249 657132
📧 info@perioworld.co.uk
📍 40A New Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 1HL
Photo by Caroline LM on Unsplash