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Oral Cancer: Understanding The Risks And How To Protect Yourself

Don’t want to miss the smallest sign of oral cancer? Let us help you find your way out! Oral cancer is a serious health issue affecting many people around the world. Knowing the risk factors and how to protect yourself is key.

We have prepped this article to present necessary insights to you on causes, prevention, and constant check-ups to ensure prolonged oral health. Seeing or visiting a Benbrook Dentist TX goes a long way in achieving that. It further helps you stay informed about the screening process to keep even the slightest oral cancer signs at bay.

What is Oral Cancer?

Cancers of the lips, mouth, throat, cheeks, floor of the mouth, and tongue are referred to as oral cancer. Early diagnosis is vital for successful treatment because it is often detected late. If not diagnosed and treated quickly enough the ailment can be fatal.

Common Symptoms

  • Mouth sores that won’t heal
  • Unexplained bleeding
  • White or red patches on the inside walls of your mouth
  • Trouble swallowing/chewing
  • Persistent pain in your mouth/throat

Have you noticed any of these lately? Maybe it’s time for an oral cancer screening now.

Oral Cancer Risks

Knowing the risk factors behind oral cancer could facilitate appropriate action. Different things increase the chances of this illness.

Tobacco and Alcohol Use

Many oral cancer risks have tobacco and alcohol as the main causes. This poses a significant risk, especially amongst those who smoke cigarettes/tobacco chewers or abuse alcohol. Cigarettes and cigars contribute towards pushing you into this death pit, whereas excessive alcohol consumption amplifies the risks.

Ever thought about how significantly these habits influence your oral health? Reducing them considerably will make an immense difference in terms of reducing risks.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Oral cancers have been connected with HPV, particularly HPV-16, which is a sexually transmitted infection that can affect the mouth and throat.

  • Prevention: Sexual vaccination against HPV coupled with safe sex practices can reduce the chances of contracting it.

How to Protect Yourself

Perhaps it is better to be safe than sorry. Below are some ways you can protect yourself from oral cancer.

Regular Dental Check-ups

Going to your Benbrook Dentist TX regularly might allow you to discover something unusual earlier on.

  • Screenings: Regular oral cancer screenings can help identify early signs, enabling timely treatment.
  • Professional Advice: They give suggestions on avoiding risk factors as well as maintaining oral hygiene.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly lower your risk of getting this life-threatening illness.

  • Quit Smoking: Seek support to quit smoking and decrease alcohol intake levels.
  • Healthy Diet: Eating foods that contain vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients strengthens the immune system, thus minimizing the chances of becoming sick.

Oral Cancer Screening Process

Oral cancer screening is an important preventive measure. But what does it involve? Here’s the breakdown.

Your dentist will perform a quick, painless procedure known as oral cancer screening. It involves checking your mouth carefully for signs of the disease.

  • Visual Examination: The dentist looks for sores, red or white patches, and other abnormalities in your mouth area.
  • Physical Inspection: The dentist may physically feel any lumps or roughened tissues lining your mouth and throat.

For what reasons is oral cancer screening important? That is because detection at an early stage can be lifesaving.

The Role of Benbrook Family Dental in Oral Health

Benbrook Family Dental plays an unparalleled role in maintaining their patient’s dental health. The comprehensive solutions they offer include ordinary check-ups, cleanings, and specialized screenings.

Services Provided

  • Preventive Care: Regular cleaning and examination for continued good dental health.
  • Screenings: Specific oral cancer screenings that aid in the detection of early-phase indications.
  • Consultations: Professional guidance on modifying one’s lifestyle as well as taking precautionary measures.

How frequently do you see your dentist? Regularly seeing a dentist can greatly result in better overall health for you.

Conclusion

Oral cancer is not a joke, but with proper knowledge and preventive measures, it can be kept at bay. Regular visits to your Benbrook Dentist TX and consultations with Benbrook Family Dental are vital for good oral health care. Remember, early detection through oral cancer screening can lead to successful treatments.

Acknowledging and addressing any symptoms promptly through prevention and early detection are the finest ways to combat oral cancer. Take charge of your dental health and get in touch with the renowned Benbrook Family Dental for a holistic examination. A way to right care and prevention!