Chicago Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist

Roughly 29,000 Americans are diagnosed with either cancer of the mouth or cancer of the oropharynx (the part of the throat at the back of the mouth). Doctors cannot explain why one person develops cancer and another one doesn’t. It is important to note that oral cancer is not contagious. It cannot be caught from another person.

Research shows that there are risk factors (something that increases an individual’s chances of developing a disease) for oral cancer, just like any other form of cancer. These include tobacco, alcohol, sun, and personal history of head and neck cancer.

Tobacco

Tobacco use is present in the majority of people who develop oral cancer. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes; chewing tobacco; and dipping snuff are all linked to oral cancer. The use of other tobacco products may also increase the risk of oral cancer. Individuals who use tobacco heavily for an extended period of time are most at risk of developing oral cancer.

Alcohol

People who drink are more likely to develop oral cancer than people who don’t. The heavier the consumption of alcohol, the more likely the individual is to develop oral cancer.

Sun

Sun exposure can case lip and mouth cancer. For this reason, it is important to use chapstick with a sunscreen in it.

Personal History of Head and Neck Cancer

People who have had head or neck cancer before are likely to develop oral or throat cancer. It is also likely to re-occur if other risk factors are present.

With any of the risk factors, if the individual also smokes, the chances increase. 75% of oral cancer victims smoke heavily, drink heavily, or a combination of the two. Also, quitting smoking reduces the risk of oral cancer.

Fortunately, a simple test performed by your dentist can determine if you have oral cancer. For information concerning oral cancer and its detection, contact the Chicago family dentist at 773-767-1554.