Binder Family Dental BlogA Helpful Resource for Our Patients You at Risk for Oral Cancer?, 10 Nov 2017 22:30:00 GMT<p><span>No one knows for sure who is going to get cancer, but we can look at trends among those who have been diagnosed. Fortunately, there are some risk factors that can be modified by your actions.</span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>For instance,<strong> smoking or chewing tobacco</strong> is one of the main risk factors for developing oral cancer. Tobacco in those forms contain recognized carcinogens, and your mouth is constantly exposed to them. Many years of smoking can cause a list of health problems a mile long, and oral cancer is included. Let&rsquo;s not forget the obvious lung cancer and cardiovascular disease risks that smoking also perpetuates.</span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p><strong><span>Heavy alcohol consumption</span></strong><span> also contributes to oral cancer. Smokers who drink are even more at risk, possibly due to the effect the alcohol has on the cells of the mouth, making them more vulnerable to carcinogens in cigarette smoke.</span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p><strong><span>Sun exposure</span></strong><span> to your lips can cause cancer, just like anywhere on your body that gets a lot of sun. This can appear as an open sore on the lips that does not heal. Consider SPF lip balms and chapstick to protect the lips.</span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p><strong><span>HPV, or human papilloma virus, </span></strong><span>can cause some types of throat and neck cancers. It is a sexually transmitted disease that often has no symptoms until it is visibly presented. There is a vaccine to prevent HPV that is administered to children when they are 12 years old. As more of these children grow into adults, they may reduce the number of oral cancer victims with their immunity. </span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p><strong><span>Age</span></strong><span> is a factor for oral cancer, with most people diagnosed being over 50 years of age.</span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Finally, <strong>men </strong>are more likely to develop oral cancer than women. </span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>Regular checkups from your dentist are essential for the early detection and treatment of oral cancer. Your dentist will examine your lips, mouth, tongue, throat and neck for warning signs. <a href="">360 Dental in Eugene, Oregon</a> provides expert dental care in a relaxed setting, including oral cancer screening. Call&nbsp;</span><a href="tel:5416891645"><span>(541) 689-1645</span></a><span>&nbsp;or&nbsp;</span><a href=""><span>request an appointment online</span></a><span> today. &nbsp;</span></p> <p><span>&nbsp;</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p>4720