Early Detection Saves Lives
Oral cancer is nothing to take lightly. Causing one death every hour, there will be
approximately 45,750 new cases diagnosed this year alone. It also tends to strike men twice as likely
as women.
Contributing factors of oral cancer include:
·
Smoking
·
Tobacco use
·
Excessive alcohol consumption (3+ drinks per
day)
·
Over exposure to UV light
·
HPV Virus (sexually transmitted)
7% of diagnosed oral cancer cases that have no identified cause
Smokers are 3 times more likely to develop oral cancer. Cigars and pipes pose a higher risk than standard
cigarettes.
This is how to reduce your risk of oral cancer:
·
Do not use tobacco products
·
Drink alcohol only in moderation
·
Limit sun exposure and always use SPF sunscreen
·
Regular exercise
·
Nutritional supplements ( Vitamin D, Vitamin B,
Zinc, Fish oil)
·
Oral cancer screening at your bi-annual dentist
exam and cleaning
The way you prepare your meals can play a role as well. Rather than frying food, give steaming or
baking a try! Bonus: these techniques
are also more figure friendly
Cancer fighting foods:
·
Beans
·
Berries
·
Vegetables
·
Flaxseed
·
Garlic
·
Grapes
·
Green Teas
·
Tomatoes
84% of oral cancer cases can be detected early by your dentist
Dental check-ups are vital to oral cancer detection. Yes, you should be going in for dental
check-ups
twice a year anyways; however, request you get regularly scheduled oral cancer screenings as well!
twice a year anyways; however, request you get regularly scheduled oral cancer screenings as well!
Oral Cancer Signs to Check at Home
·
Check the entirety of your mouth:
·
All the
way inside of your cheeks
·
Underside
and top of your tongue
·
Roof of your mouth
·
Lymph nodes
You’re looking for discoloration, lumps, asymmetrical
swelling or any other abnormalities that you happen to see. Even if you aren’t too sure about it, it
never hurts to give us a call, ask questions and come in to have it checked
out.
Get involved. Help
raise awareness. Spread the word. Get tested!
Dr. Mark Davies
Ye Olde Village Dentist
1664 Village Green
Crofton, MD 21114 (map)
Phone: (301) 261-3800
Dr. Mark Davies
Ye Olde Village Dentist
1664 Village Green
Crofton, MD 21114 (map)
Phone: (301) 261-3800
