Oral cancer can occur anywhere in your smile, including your lips, tongue, roof of your mouth, and cheeks. it can become life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early one by a dental professional. During your dental exam and cleaning at Morristown & Summit Prosthodontics, Dr. Madalina Iorgulescu will perform a thorough screening of your mouth to catch any signs of oral cancer.

These risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing oral cancer:

Gender – Men are more at risk of oral cancer, and twice as many men are diagnosed with the disease than women.

Age – Patient over the age of 44 are more likely to develop oral cancer, and the average age of diagnosis is 62.

Alcohol – Heavy drinking increases your risk for oral cancer dramatically.

Tobacco use – Smoking or chewing tobacco can cause cancer to develop in several areas of the body, including your mouth. Chewing tobacco can lead to cancer in the lips, gums, and cheeks, and pipe smoking can cause cancer in the lips.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – This sexually transmitted disease can cause cancer to develop in areas that difficult to see and often don’t get looked at, increasing the chances of it reaching an advanced stage.

Sunlight – People who spend a lot of time outside and don’t use UV protection are at a greater risk of cancer.

Diet – Poor nutrition can increase your risk of oral cancer, which is why you should eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Many risk factors for oral cancer are poor habits that you can improve. Contact Morristown & Summit Prosthodontics at 908-273-0884 today to learn more about preventing oral cancer in Summit, New Jersey, and schedule a visit with our dentist, Dr. Madalina Iorgulescu.