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tongue and oral health

If you’re an adult, you probably know that smoking, chewing tobacco, and marijuana are all bad for your oral health. But did you also know that these habits can actually increase your risk of developing oral cancer? Fortunately, people are becoming more aware of the negative effects of these habits and their prevalence is declining as a result. It’s likely that in coming years the rate of new diagnoses for tobacco-related oral cancers will continue to drop. But until society stops stigmatising people who smoke or chew, there are some easy things you can do to reduce your risk of contracting. Let’s take a look at what we know about the causes and symptoms of mouth cancer.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is a disease that begins in the tissues of the mouth and throat. It can affect any part of the oral cavity and can also spread to the lymph nodes in your neck. If left untreated, oral cancer can be life-threatening because it can grow and spread very quickly. The most common types of oral cancer are:

oral cancer CAJTeeth
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Adenocarcinoma
  • Burkitt’s lymphoma
  • Other sarcomas

Diagnosis is often made only after the cancer has progressed to an advanced stage, when it’s more difficult to treat. Early detection and treatment increase the chance of a full recovery.

Smoking and Oral Cancer

Oral cancers caused by tobacco products like smoking and chewing tobacco are the most common types of oral cancer in the United States. As many as 25% of all new mouth cancer cases are caused by these lifestyle habits. The connection between smoking and oral cancer is well-documented. As the American Dental Association points out,

“The human mouth is the only organ in the body that is exposed to the direct chemical action of tobacco smoke.”

Smoking does to implant

Chewing Tobacco on Oral health

Chewing tobacco (also known as “dip” or “spit tobacco”) is uniquely dangerous because it contains many of the same toxins as cigarettes but without filters. Tobacco chewers are at higher risk for oral cancers than smokers, so if you or someone you love dips tobacco, this is something to be aware of.

Marijuana and Oral Cancer

There is little evidence that smoking marijuana causes mouth cancer. It’s possible that chemical compounds present in the marijuana plant could be carcinogenic, but the THC levels in marijuana cigarettes are very low, and risk is further reduced if you use a vaporizer.

oral cancer surgery

Detecting Oral Cancer Early

Early detection is key to treating oral cancer and increasing your chances of a full recovery. Fortunately, there are a few signs to watch out for that could signify. If you notice any changes in your mouth, it’s important to see your dentist.

A persistent, abnormal bleeding in your mouth (other than when you brush your teeth) .

Any persistent soreness inside your mouth that doesn’t heal.

A lump in your mouth or on your neck.

Change in the shape of your teeth or in size of a patch (gingivitis) on your tongue

A change in your jaw line or overall oral health.

If you notice any of these symptoms or think you may have a more serious dental issue, call your dentist and make an appointment immediately.

Oral Care During Recovery

For patients who are in the middle of recovering from their oral cancer treatment, regular brushing and flossing may not be an option. If you’ve had surgery on your tongue or jaw, you may not be able to brush or floss during your recovery period. The type of surgery you’ve had will determine which oral hygiene practices you can and can’t do:

If you’ve had surgery on the tongue, you probably won’t be able to brush or floss during your recovery period. This is because if you try to brush or floss during this time, it could lead to bleeding and swelling.

If you’ve had surgery on the jaw, you may not be able to brush or floss during your recovery period since it could lead to the dislodging of your stitches.

Dental Care is Important for General Health

Good dental care reduces the risk of other diseases, and overall poor dental hygiene can cause other health issues. Some of the key problems that can occur if you do not take care of your teeth and gums are tooth decay and gum disease. Both of these problems can lead to tooth loss and other complications. Gum disease can also cause infections in your body.

gum disease causing cancer
Gum Cancer

A growing body of evidence has linked oral health, particularly periodontal (gum) disease, to several chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. In pregnant women, poor oral health has also been associated with premature births and low birth weight.

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Conclusion

This is treatable when caught early, but it is also preventable. If you are adult smoker, chewing tobacco, or marijuana smoker, you can reduce your risk of developing oral cancer. Be sure to limit your tobacco and marijuana use, and brush your teeth regularly. And remember: early detection is key to treating and increasing your chances of a full recovery.

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