Mouth cancer can have a terrible impact on a person’s health and quality of life. Similar to numerous forms of cancer, enhancing results and lowering death rates depend heavily on early identification and prevention. Kalpit Hospital, the multispecialty hospital in Khalilabad, Uttar Pradesh, strives to spread awareness among people about mouth cancer so that they can keep themselves safe from this fatal disease. This blog post will discuss mouth cancer’s origins, risk factors, and preventative measures to spread knowledge and encourage readers to take charge of their oral health.
What Is Cancer of the Mouth?
Any type of cancer that arises in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, palate, and inner lining of the cheeks, is referred to as mouth cancer. Usually, it starts as a tiny, painless lump or sore that may go undiscovered until it gets to a more serious stage.
Causes of Mouth Cancer
Tobacco Use
One of the main causes of mouth cancer is tobacco use, including both smoking and chewing tobacco. The chance of developing cancer is raised by the damaging chemicals found in tobacco products, which can injure oral cells.
Alcohol Intake
There is a clear correlation between a high alcohol intake and a higher risk of oral cancer. The danger rises considerably further when tobacco usage is added.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection
There has been a correlation shown between an elevated risk of oral cancer and specific HPV strains, specifically HPV-16 and HPV-18. Oral sex is one way that HPV, a sexually transmitted illness, can spread.
Sun Exposure
Long-term sun exposure can raise the risk of lip cancer, particularly for people who spend time outside without wearing appropriate sun protection.
Bad Oral Hygiene
The risk of mouth cancer might be raised by the chronic irritation of the oral tissues brought on by bad oral hygiene, ill-fitting dentures, or abrasive oral surfaces.
Risk Factors for Mouth Cancer
Apart from the aforementioned reasons, several risk factors may predispose individuals to oral cancer:
Age: The majority of mouth cancer cases are identified in people over 40, and the chance of developing the disease rises with age.
Gender: Compared to women, men are more likely to get mouth cancer.
Family History: An individual’s risk may be raised if there is a history of mouth cancer or another type of cancer in the family.
Diet: Eating a diet heavy in processed foods and low in fruits and vegetables may raise your risk of developing mouth cancer.
Chronic Oral Diseases: Leukoplakia (white patches in the mouth) and erythroplakia (red patches in the mouth) are two chronic disorders that have been linked to a higher chance of developing mouth cancer.
Prevention Strategies
Although age and gender are unchangeable risk factors for oral cancer, there are several preventive steps people can take to lower their risk:
Steer clear of tobacco products: Mouth cancer risk can be considerably decreased by giving up smoking and abstaining from other tobacco products.
Restrict Alcohol Consumption: Restricting alcohol consumption, especially excessive alcohol use can help reduce the incidence of oral cancer.
Practice Sun Safety: To lower your risk of developing lip cancer, wear a wide-brimmed hat and lip balm with SPF protection while you spend time outside.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: To keep your mouth healthy, brush and floss your teeth daily. You should also schedule routine checkups with your dentist.
Get Vaccinated: The risk of mouth cancer caused by HPV can be decreased by receiving an HPV vaccination, which can help prevent infection with high-risk strains of the virus.
Maintain a Healthy Diet: Limit your intake of processed and red meats, and consume a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Keep an eye out for any changes in your mouth, such as sores, lumps, or patches. If you detect anything out of the ordinary, get medical help right away.
Conclusion
Mouth cancer is a dangerous illness that affects a person’s overall health and well-being. People can lower their risk and maintain good oral health by being proactive and learning about the causes, risk factors, and prevention techniques related to mouth cancer. Regular dental check-ups and self-examinations are essential for early identification, which improves treatment outcomes and increases the likelihood of success. We may endeavour to lessen the impact of mouth cancer on people and communities around the world by embracing healthy lifestyle practices and avoiding recognized risk factors.
Kalpit Hospital, a multispeciality hospital in Khalilabad, Uttar Pradesh, has a well-equipped dental health care centre with experienced and skilled dental doctors. We can help lower the risk and in early detection of mouth cancer. Visit us to keep yourself safe from mouth cancer.