Oral health does not bother many, but certain terms make them jump up and take notice. Take for example, oral cancer. Thinking that oral cancer is not something everyday brushing can prevent? Or, can it? You will be surprised. Poor oral hygiene leading to dental problems left ignored can cause oral cancer. Yeah, poor hygiene alone cannot cause oral cancer. It needs to join hands with smoking, consumption of tobacco in any other form, or excessive consumption of alcohol. Even too much exposure to the sun’s UV rays can cause oral cancer.

So, how do you prevent it? Simple, stop indulging in the factors that trigger it. Start with visiting your dentist regularly and seeking treatment if there is a dental problem. Cut down on the number of cigarettes you smoke everyday. Cut down on the usage of tobacco in any other form. Cut down on drinking alcohol.

There are times people don’t notice the signs of the approaching cancer. Here are some symptoms you should look out for:

• 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

If you notice a sign, visit your dentist at once and let him/her find out if you do have oral cancer. Don’t panic if you have been diagnosed with the disease. Oral cancer can be treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery.

We hope you don’t reach a stage when you have to go for these treatments. Take care of your teeth, and keep smiling.

Tags: oral hygiene