Absolute Dental Centre

As Oral Cancer Awareness month draws to a close here's a recap of the influences which increase the risk of Oral Cancers?

Smoking

Smoking is the most common cause of mouth cancer. Risk is the same for users of all forms of tobacco, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, paan, areca nut and guthka.
Research has found that switching to low-tar cigarettes does not help either as users are likely to inhale more smoke to compensate.
Alcohol

Alcohol is another major risk factor – more than 7 in 10 people diagnosed drink more than the recommended daily limit.
Drinking increases the mouth's rate of absorption of tobacco. People who drink and smoke to excess are up to 30 times more likely to develop mouth cancer.
It is recommended that men drink no more than 3-4 units per day and women drink no more than 2-3. (One unit is equivalent to ½ a pint of lager, a single measure of spirits or a small glass of wine).
Diet

A healthy balanced diet containing the recommended five a day fruit and vegetable portions can help lower mouth cancer risk.
Studies have also suggested that each extra portion of fruit and veg lowers risks yet further.
Eat green and yellow fresh fruit and vegetables every day - bananas, peppers, broccoli, beans and cabbage are good sources of beta-carotene that can help to prevent other cancers too.
Fish and eggs have also been linked to reduced risk.
Sunblock

To prevent lip cancer, make sure you wear protective screening lotion when the sun is shining.

All Absolute Dental patients can be reassured they are routinely screened for abnormalities of the soft tissues at every examination appointment.

Written by Denise