Oral cancer generally affects your lips, mouth roof and floor, and the last part of your tongue. It may appear on the lips, tongue, cheeks, and gums. Mouth or oral cancer is frequently discovered late and, if left untreated, can prove more complicated.
However, the good news is that, with strategic lifestyle choices, routine tests, and awareness of risk factors, oral cancer is largely avoidable. For oral cancer treatment, seek medical attention from the leading oncologist in Siliguri.
This blog shares useful advice to protect your mouth from this harmful condition and advance general oral health.
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Refuse to Use Tobacco in Any Way
The most common cause of oral cancer is tobacco usage, which includes using pipes, cigars, cigarettes, snuff, and chewing tobacco. Your risk increases with the use of carcinogenic chemicals in tobacco, which harm the cells in your mouth and throat.
The following ingredients are included in all tobacco products such aspoisonous compounds, carcinogens, and an addictive drug called nicotine. The tissue that is located within the cheeks, gums, and lips is most harmed by smokeless tobacco, such as snuff or chewing tobacco.
Get expert help quitting if you smoke or use smokeless tobacco. Counseling programs, nicotine replacement treatments, and support groups are available to help you break the habit and reduce the risk of developing oral cancer. See one of the top oncologists in Siliguri for mouth cancer diagnosis and effective treatment.
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Continue to Practice Good Dental Hygiene
Maintaining dental hygiene is a health necessity. It helps prevent gum disease and cavities, and it also helps prevent the risk of mouth cancer. Gum inflammation or infection might impair your immune system's capacity to identify and kill abnormal cells.
Use an antiseptic mouthwash if advised, floss regularly, and brush at least twice a day. Plus, change your toothbrush every three months or following an illness. If you notice bleeding while brushing your teeth often, consult your dentist without delay.
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Limit Your Alcohol Use
Another major risk factor for oral cancer is too much alcohol consumption, which can irritate the mouth's mucosal membranes. This way it facilitates the penetration of harmful chemicals like those found in tobacco.
Limit alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks per day for males and one drink per day for women. However, we can’t say even the least amount of alcohol intake is safe. Avoiding both alcohol and tobacco is the best course of action you can take because they are major contributing factors here.
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Eat a Balanced, Nutrient-Rich Diet
When it comes to our health, including oral health, food choices play a crucial role. Diets loaded with fruits and vegetables, especially those high in antioxidants, help maintain a healthy immune system and shield cells from harm.
Enjoy having a wide range of veggies and fruits, such as carrots, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and berries, for nutrition and oral health. Foods that are excessively processed, sweet, or acidic should be avoided since they may worsen oral erosion or lead to inflammation.
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Be Aware of HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
Sexually transmitted infections like HPV have been connected to an increase in oropharyngeal malignancies. These affect the tonsils, base of the tongue, and throat, which is currently among the most rapidly increasing concerns for oral cancer.
You may lower your chance of HPV infection by practicing safe sex and being vaccinated against HPV if you are eligible (get vaccinated only under medical approval and supervision). Receive expert guidance for oral cancer management from a highly trusted oncologist in Siliguri, Dr. Manish Goswami.
The first steps in preventing oral cancer are knowledge and action. You can reduce your risk by adopting a healthy lifestyle, getting the HPV shot, maintaining a proactive approach to your dental health, et al. Encourage a healthy lifestyle and get timely medical advice.