This three-part article series discusses the various symptoms that could indicate the presence of oral cancer, as well as what people can do to prevent this terrible disease.
Dentists in Newport Beach Explain the 9 Warning Signs of Oral Cancer, PART 3
1. Dentists in Newport Beach Explain the 9 Warning Signs of
Oral Cancer, PART 3
This three-part article series discusses the various symptoms that could
indicate the presence of oral cancer, as well as what people can do to
prevent this terrible disease.
Welcome to the final installment of this four-part article series on the risk factors for and the signs and symptoms of
oral cancer. So far, with the advice of an experienced Newport Beach cosmetic dentist, we have explored what kinds of
lifestyle habits and factors can leave you more vulnerable to oral cancer. We have also explored the nine warning signs
of oral cancer, which involved any kind of abormal growths, lumps or discolorations of the soft tissues in the oral
cavity.
Now, in this the final installment of the series, we shall take a brief look at what the treatment options for oral cancer
are and how Newport Beach residents can minimize their risk of ever developing this truly terrible disease.
Oral Cancer Treatment
If your dentist believes that you have oral cancer, he or she will refer you to an oncologist, who will have the
experienced and specific training to guide you through the treatment and healing process. The two principle treatments
for oral cancer – or any kind of cancer – are chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Cancer treatment can be quite an
ordeal, but it is absolutely necessary for you to make a full recovery and to be able to live a normal, healthy life again.
“It’s always worth remembering that, in so many cases, cancer is a lifestyle disease,” explains a skilled cosmetic dentist
in Newport Beach. “What this means is that it is frequently a bad lifestyle and habits such as drug abuse, smoking and
heavy drinking that leads to its development. It also means that it is preventable.”
Let’s now take a look at the best practices for the prevention of oral cancer:
2. How Can I Prevent Oral Cancer?
Essentially, Newport Beach residents that lead a healthy lifestyle will be at a lower risk of oral cancer. This
doesn’t mean they cannot get it, it just means that their chances of ever having oral cancer are really low.
Here are some preventative measures that will minimize your risk:
• Don’t smoke or chew tobacco: Tobacco-use is one of the biggest risk factors for oral cancer.
Even chewing it can cause cancer, so it’s best to abstain entirely and also to avoid hanging around people
who do smoke.
• Consume alcohol in moderation as excessive drinking can leave you at a much greater risk of
developing this disease.
• Always apply sun cream to your lips and face when spending an appreciable amount of time
outside in the sun. This will protect your lips from melanoma and also help to prevent the premature aging
of your facial skin.
• See your Newport Beach dentist and oral hygienist twice per year for check-ups and
professional cleaning. Good oral health is key to good general health and a healthy lifestyle lowers your
risk of oral cancer. Also, routine preventative care will ensure that anything suspicious is detected and
treated early. This will improve your chances of making a full recovery.
• Eat more fibrous vegetables and fruits. A healthy diet promotes greater whole body health and
a lower risk of disease.
• “Drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes together actually increases your risk of oral cancer
more than these two habits individually,” warns a Newport Beach cosmetic dentist. “So, if you enjoy the
occasional drink, try not to smoke and vice versa. Ideally, you should try to quit smoking altogether.”