Every year, over 50,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer — a potentially deadly cancer that can affect any of area of the mouth, tongue, tonsils, gums, and throat. While this disease can impact any person, there are certain factors that may increase your risk. To help you prevent your chances of developing oral cancer, here are a few steps that dentists and other health care professionals recommend.

5 Oral Cancer Prevention Tips

1. Stop Smoking & Avoid Excessive Drinking

Smoking cigarettes and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can significantly increase the risk of oral cancer. To protect your mouth — and other areas of your body — it’s best to quit smoking cigarettes and avoid all other tobacco use. You should also avoid or limit your alcohol intake.

2. Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet

By including various vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and fatty fish in your diet, you can provide your body with a wealth of antioxidants. Antioxidants refer to specific nutrients that can stabilize free radicals — unstable molecules that can impair cellular health and increase cancer risks.

3. Shield Your Lips From the Sun

Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays can increase the risk of skin cancer on the lips. When this occurs, there is a risk that the cancer may spread to other areas within the mouth. To keep your lips safe, use a lip balm that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

4. Get Vaccinated

According to the American Dental Association®, human papillomavirus — HPV — is a sexually-transmitted infection that can increase the risk of several types of cancer — including oral cancer. While many older individuals likely already have contracted the virus, younger patients can now get vaccinated to defend their bodies against HPV.

5. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Often, signs of oral cancer can go unnoticed by patients, allowing the problem to spread to other areas of the body. Fortunately, dentists can detect early warning signs during routine dental cleanings and exams. To avoid late detection of oral cancer, visit your dentist every six months for routine check-ups. You should also consult a professional if you notice potential signs of oral cancer — including persistent mouth lesions, red or white patches in the mouth, enlarged lymph nodes, or chronic pain.

If you’re concerned about your risk of oral cancer, Revercomb Dental Group in Manlius, NY, can help. Equipped with advanced tools, these experienced professionals understand how to detect warning signs early on so you can get life-saving treatment as soon as possible. Beyond routine screenings, this provider also offers a wide range of other professional services to protect your smile — including fillings, root canals, and dental implants. Visit this clinic online to learn more about these services or call (315) 682-8400 to schedule a convenient appointment with a friendly dentist.