By understanding the risks associated with mouth cancer you can make positive changes to your lifestyle, positive changes which will help reduce the likelihood of being diagnosed with mouth cancer.

·         Smoking tobacco increases your risk of developing mouth cancer by up to ten times. This includes smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes.

·         Drinking alcohol to excess is linked to a third of all mouth cancers. Current guidelines recommend a maximum of 14 units per week.

·         The human papillomavirus, which is spread via oral sex, is now one of the main causes of mouth cancer.

·         Chewing and smokeless tobacco, such as gutka, betel quid, zarda, snuff and nass.

·         A third of mouth cancers are linked to poor diet and a lack of vitamins and minerals.

·         Too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a known cause of skin cancer and can develop on the lips so avoid excessive sunbathing and sun beds.

If you have any concerns with your smile or changes in your mouth, then please contact us and book a consultation with a dentist at the practice.  We’re here to help and early detection is the key to a positive outcome when it comes to mouth cancer.