Oral Cancer Awareness Month - Tips For Preventing Oral Cancer | Kenmore, WA

Oral Cancer Awareness Month - Tips For Preventing Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that can affect anyone. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, approximately 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer every year, and one person dies from the disease every hour. Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, and roof and floor of the mouth.

Don’t Let Oral Cancer Destroy Your Mouth

The effects of oral cancer can be devastating. In addition to physical pain and discomfort, oral cancer can cause disfigurement, difficulty speaking, difficulty eating and drinking, and even death. To avoid the devastating effects of oral cancer, it is crucial to take preventative measures and prioritize your oral health.

Tips For Preventing Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is preventable if you follow these tips and make sure to schedule annual check ups at your local dental office.

Quit smoking and using tobacco products. Tobacco use is one of the most significant risk factors for oral cancer. If you smoke or use tobacco products, quitting is the most important step you can take to reduce your risk of oral cancer.

Limit alcohol consumption. Heavy alcohol consumption is another significant risk factor for oral cancer. If you drink alcohol, limit your consumption to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

Protect your lips from sun damage. Sun exposure can increase your risk of lip cancer. To protect your lips, wear a lip balm or lipstick with SPF 30 or higher when you’re outdoors.

Eat a healthy diet. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help protect against oral cancer. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of red and processed meats.

Practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and use mouthwash regularly to keep your mouth clean and healthy. Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.

By following these tips, you can reduce your risk of getting oral cancer and protect your oral health. It’s important to prioritize scheduling yearly dental checkups as they play a crucial role in detecting early signs of oral cancer and enabling effective treatment.

Oral Cancer Screenings & Dental Exams in Kenmore, Washington

At Kenmore Smile Family Dentistry in Kenmore, Washington, our experienced dental team can provide oral cancer screenings and detect any signs of oral cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take steps to protect your oral health and schedule your dental checkup today. Contact us at Kenmore Smiles Family Dentistry to schedule your appointment.