Reduce the Risk: How great oral health lowers the chance of cancer
In the UK alone, around 8,300 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer every year. With a consistent dental routine and regular contact with your dentist, your chances of developing oral cancer diminish substantially. It’s not just oral cancer either - the risks of developing pancreatic and throat cancer have also been proven to reduce with a healthy mouth. Here are a few fundamental aspects of great oral health that reduce your chances of developing cancer.
Maintain a brushing routine
Let’s start with the basics - healthy teeth and gums are the cornerstones of great oral health. Sticking by your daily brushing routine (once in the morning and once before bed) can have a huge impact on your oral health. Even though skipping a day or two may seem insignificant, the results add up. For instance, if you skip brushing your teeth one day every week, you’re reducing your brushing by 14%. Unfortunately, this isn’t uncommon - three in ten Brits only brush their teeth once a day. Staying disciplined and consistent with your brushing greatly reduces your risk of developing oral cancer.
Spotting abnormalities
When it comes to your oral health, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you’re noticing abnormal lumps or growths within your mouth, it’s time to take a trip to the dentist. Spotting oral cancer early can have a huge impact on the success of your treatment, so always be on the lookout for any irregularities in your mouth. One of the most crucial aspects of maintaining a healthy mouth is regularly visiting your dentist anyway - so there’s no harm in some extra check-ups.
Regular flossing
In the UK, a remarkable 33% of people have never flossed. With numbers as high as that, it’s important to get the message out about the benefits of flossing. If it’s not already, removing the detritus from between your teeth should be an essential part of your oral routine. We recommend flossing daily to reduce your chances of developing oral cancer, as well as keeping your teeth in tip-top shape.
A change in diet and habits
If you’re drinking too many sugary drinks, consuming too much alcohol or smoking cigarettes daily, you don’t need us to tell you where your dental health is heading. Alongside an unhealthy mouth, these detrimental habits can increase your risk of getting oral cancer by a considerable amount. It doesn’t stop at mouth cancer either - all these habits have a huge impact on your overall health and can cause other types of cancer too.
All in all, being lax with your dental routine is only going to do damage to your overall health. Change your habits, keep your dental routine disciplined and stay in close contact with your dentist to significantly reduce your chances of developing mouth cancer. If you’re noticing any warning signs, please book an appointment here.
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