According to research, poor oral hygiene and habits can increase your risk of developing major oral health diseases, including cancer.
For example, smoking and using tobacco products (especially chewing tobacco) can lead to lip, cheek, and tongue cancer. Good oral hygiene helps significantly reduce the risk of getting oral cancer, which means it’s crucial to your oral and overall health to brush and floss daily, get routine dental checkups, and eat a nutritious diet. Other ways to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer include:
- Stop smoking or using chewing tobacco.
- Limit alcohol use.
- Eat healthy, well-balanced foods like smile-healthy fruits and vegetables.
- Use sunscreen or UV-protective gear while in the sun.
Routine Dental Care Prevents Oral Diseases and Cancers
Routine dental exams and cleanings help prevent oral diseases like tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancers. During every routine exam, our dentists check for signs of oral cancer.
We also help patients learn how to best care for their smiles and dental health at home. Having routine oral cancer screenings allows us to identify abnormalities and catch oral cancers in the early stages, thus improving the chances of effective treatment.
Please give us a call today to schedule your routine exam and oral cancer screening.