Oral cancer does not really fall into the dentist’s premise but it is still an oral problem and there is a possibility of it being trigged by poor oral hygiene. Let’s look at the problem closely.

What causes oral cancer?

Oral cancer can be triggered by any of the following reasons:

• Smoking

• Consumption of tobacco in any other form
• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Poor oral hygiene accompanied by one the above factors
• Too much exposure to the sun’s UV rays

How can you prevent oral cancer?

Here are some simple steps to help you prevent oral cancer:

• Visit your dentist if you have a dental problem and get it treated.

• Cut down on smoking.
• Cut down on the usage of tobacco in any other form.
• Cut down on drinking alcohol.
• Visit your dentist every six months for check-ups.

What are the symptoms of oral cancer?

The symptoms of oral cancer include the following:

• Swelling on the inside of the cheek

• Red or white patches on the lips or inside the mouth
• Blister on the lips or inside the mouth
• Sudden change in voice
• Sudden misalignment of teeth or dentures
• Bleeding in the mouth
• Unexplained pain in the throat and ears
• Numbness in some parts of the mouth
• Sore throat not borne out of common cold

How is oral cancer treated?

The treatment of oral cancer may include the following:

• Chemotherapy

• Radiotherapy
• Surgery

Take good care of your teeth and you will never have to deal with this disease.

Happy smiling!