When you go to the dentist for a teeth cleaning, they do more than check for cavity development and gum disease. Oral cancer screenings are another part of your visit, and every 10 in 100,000 people develop it. Below are a few tips to reduce your risk. 

How to Lower Your Risk of Developing Oral Cancer

1. Don’t Use Tobacco

Tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco, contain radioactive components and over 70 chemicals known to cause cancer. These chemicals include ingredients found in embalming fluid, rat poison, lighter fluid, battery acid, and rocket fuel. Using them greatly increases your risk of developing numerous cancers throughout your body, including lung, mouth, throat, and esophageal. 

2. Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol use has been linked to an enhanced risk of mouth, throat, voice box, and esophageal cancers, too. It affects the way cells heal themselves, and the body breaks it down into carcinogenic substances. It also prevents the proper absorption of nutrients like folate.

3. See Your Dentist Regularly

Routine dentist visits allow for frequent oral cancer screenings, which increases the chance that any abnormalities will be detected early on. Issues like discolored or rough patches of skin and unusual sores could indicate cancerous growth, but with recommended screenings, they may be detected in the precancerous stage or early enough for the treatment to be simple and noninvasive.

4. Protect Your Lips & Face From the Sun

UV rays damage skin cells and heighten your risk of cancer, even on your face and mouth. Use lip balms that offer SPF protection, as well as sunscreen designed for your face on your cheeks, chin, and around your eyes. Sun protection should always be used when you’re outside during the day, even if it’s cloudy.

Having a dependable dentist to perform your oral cancer screenings will ensure any anomalies are detected early on. The team at Dental Clinic of Onalaska in La Crosse County, WI, has over 25 years of experience in dental services, including thorough teeth cleanings, exams, and oral cancer screenings. Learn more about their services online, and call (608) 783-3341 for an appointment today.