While it may be one of the most overlooked of all cancer types, oral cancer is in fact the tenth most common form of cancer on a global basis. Each and every year, hundreds of thousands of people lose their lives to a wide variety of oral cancers, which in many cases go undetected until they become relatively advanced. The real tragedy being that just as it is the case with a great many other types of cancer, the overwhelming majority of mouth cancer cases could be prevented with ease.
In terms of risk factors, it is known that men over the age of 40 represent the highest risk group for oral cancer. Nevertheless, the risk of developing mouth cancer remains relatively low for those willing to lead healthy lives and follow a few simple rules. Oral cancer can be treatable when caught at the earliest possible stage, but as it is the case with all serious diseases, it is far easier to prevent them occurring in the first place than to treat them further down the line.
So with this in mind, what follows is a quick overview of nine essential guidelines from the experts on how to minimise the likelihood of developing oral cancer:
1. Contrary to popular belief, oral health isn’t important only for the sake of your teeth and gums. The health of the mouth has a direct effect on the rest of the body – poor oral hygiene often leading to weakening of the immune system. Which is why when it comes to cancer and disease prevention in general, it is highly advisable to step up your oral hygiene regime. Invest in the best water flosser in the UK and pay much closer attention to the health and cleanliness of your mouth.
2. Unsurprisingly, tobacco represents one of the primary causes of hundreds of thousands of cases of mouth cancer every year. Research has shown that each and every cigarette smoked has a cumulative effect on the mouth, the throat, the lungs and the body in general, which over the course of time can inflict irreparable damage. Chewing tobacco is also nothing short of lethal when it comes to oral health and is likewise one of the main causes of oral cancer worldwide. Even with the best mouthwash recommended by dentists, you cannot wash away the damage done by tobacco.
3. The same also goes for alcohol as there is a direct correlation between the amount of alcohol an individual consumes and their respective likelihood of developing a variety of cancers. Just as regular drinking is inadvisable, the same also goes for occasional binge drinking. Doctors and dentists alike agree that the vast majority of people could do with cutting down alcohol intake at least modestly, for the sake of their health and wellbeing.
4. One of the most overlooked of all oral cancer types is cancer of the lips – despite the fact that it is surprisingly common worldwide. Looking after your mouth so as to minimise cancer risk also means providing your lips with adequate protection from the sun at all times. Even the most effective lip protection will only ever work for so long and therefore must be reapplied continually throughout the day.
5. One of the most effective of all approaches when it comes to cancer prevention is to simply ensure that your body and immune system are in the best shape they can possibly be. Which is precisely why dentists and doctors alike recommend remaining active and exercising on a regular basis, in order to boost the immune system and generally increase your body’s defences against serious diseases. It is also important to keep an eye on your daily hydration levels for the same reason.
6. According to the American Institute for Cancer Research, there are certain foods which if consumed in relatively generous amounts on a regular basis have the potential to help reduce the likelihood of developing various types of cancer – including oral cancers. This list of cancer-fighting foods includes green vegetables like broccoli and cabbage, grapes, garlic, green tea, berries, beans, tomatoes and soy. In addition, the importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced diet cannot be overstated as this is once again critical in the building and maintenance of strong natural defences. Low fat, low salt, low sugar, high in healthy protein, plenty of vitamins and minerals – all working together to help prevent mouth cancer.
7. There’s also growing evidence to suggest that the method you choose when it comes to preparing your food can have an effect on cancer prevention or otherwise. A number of studies have drawn direct links between frying, grilling and barbecuing and an elevated cancer risk – including mouth cancer. It’s to do with a reaction that takes place during the cooking process which results in potentially carcinogenic deposits coating the foods being cooked and summarily being consumed. As such, many experts are now recommending the use of steaming, boiling or baking cooking methods, instead of frying or grilling.
8. Dental experts recommend carrying out something of a basic self-examination of your own mouth at least once every month. It only takes a couple of minutes to do and can ensure that if and when there are any danger signs to be found, you’ll find them as early as possible. It’s a case of investing in a mouth mirror similar to those used by dentists, to be used in conjunction with a regular and a bright light to give your mouth a comprehensive internal inspection. These mirrors can be picked up from almost any pharmacy for next to nothing and allow you to keep an eye out for anything unusual. Any discolouration, bumps, lumps or anything out of the ordinary whatsoever should be brought to the attention of your dentist as soon as possible.
9. Last but not least, there is no person better suited to giving your mouth a full inspection and watching for the signs and symptoms of mouth cancer than your dentist. Which is yet another reason why it is of the utmost importance to ensure you are seeing your dentist at least once every six months, making it clear to them at the time that you would like to be screened for oral cancer. In addition, they will probably give you plenty of essential advice on how to step up your own cancer prevention regime at home, every day.
