Oral cancer is a prevalent disease, though it can be treated if caught early on. While an oral surgeon can assess your likelihood of developing this cancer, there are other risk factors that are important to be aware of. 

5 Oral Cancer Risk Factors You Should Be Aware Of

1. Alcohol Consumption

Heavy drinking—an average of two or more drinks per day for men and one or more drinks per day for women—increases your chances of developing oral cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, seven of 10 oral cancer patients are heavy drinkers.

2. Gender

Men are twice as likely to get oral cancer as women. Studies have attributed this to higher rates of tobacco and alcohol use among men.

3. Diet

Studies have shown that a low beta-carotene intake can lead to various diseases, including oral cancer. Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, which are the primary sources of beta-carotene, has been associated with a decreased risk of oral or oropharyngeal cancer when compared with low intake levels.

4. Tobacco Use

Tobacco use of any kind dramatically increases your risk of getting oral cancer. Smoking cigarettes or a pipe can lead to cancer development in the lip, while smokeless tobacco can cause cancer in the cheeks, gums, and lips.

5. Age

Most people who are diagnosed with oral cancer are age 55 or older. However, the Oral Cancer Foundation found that HPV-related oral cancers are often diagnosed in people much younger than this.

Keep your mouth healthy by reaching out to the team at Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska in Anchorage. Board-certified oral surgeons Dr. William F. Bergeron, Jr. and Dr. Ray Holloway offer a range of dental procedures, including wisdom teeth removal, oral surgery, and dental implants, as well as oral cancer screenings. Call (907) 561-1430 to schedule a consultation with an oral surgeon, or visit them online for more information on their offerings.