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A Family Dentist in Chicago on Oral Cancer Risk Factors
Posted on November 16th, 2021
Over 50,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. Oral cancer is known to be quite deadly and difficult to treat, and early detection is vital. This is why people should receive frequent oral cancer screenings, because this disease often goes unnoticed for long periods of time and has very few early symptoms.
While everyone is susceptible to oral cancer, certain risk factors make people more vulnerable to this disease. A few of these risk factors are listed below:
- Age – People who are 40 years old and older have a higher risk of developing oral cancer.
- Gender – Men are twice as likely as women to be diagnosed with oral cancer. There is reason to believe this may be linked to a difference in rates of tobacco use and alcohol consumption.
- Tobacco Use – Oral cancer is often directly linked to smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Alcohol – Oral cancer has been linked to heavy or frequent alcohol consumption.
- Sun Exposure – The skin on the lips is very delicate and prone to sunburn. Without proper protection, the lips can be exposed to so much sun damage that it leads to cancer on the lips. People who are out in the sun often should wear lip balms with UV protection in them, and frequently reapply.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – HPV is an STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) that is linked to oral cancer. These cases are often found in younger individuals.
- Diet – Poor diet and nutrition can increase the risk of developing oral cancer. Diets lacking good quantities of fruits and vegetables have been specifically linked to oral cancer.
Windy City Family Dental – A Periodontist in River North
Regular oral examinations, regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, or other factors, are vital to ensuring you stay on top of your oral health. Dental check-ups and professional cleanings are also important for keeping your mouth healthy and clean, since poor oral hygiene leads to tooth decay, bacteria build up, and gum disease- all of which increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
If you are in need of comprehensive family dental care from a trusted Chicago dentist, contact Windy City Family Dental today to schedule an appointment at our dental office.
