Oral cancer is completely curable if detected early. The best prevention is to completely avoid intoxicants like tobacco and alcohol. If you notice any changes in your mouth, see a dentist or a specialist immediately. Regular dental checkups can help detect such problems early.
The main factors that cause mouth cancer are as follows:
Tobacco use: The most important cause of mouth cancer is tobacco. Smoking (Cigarettes, Beedi) and chewing tobacco (Chewing tobacco, Gutkha) destroy the cells in the mouth and lead to cancer.
Excessive alcohol consumption: The risk of mouth cancer is very high in people who consume alcohol. Those who use tobacco and alcohol together are twice as likely to get cancer.
Chewing habit: Chewing betel leaves, pak and tobacco together causes constant friction and chemical changes inside the mouth. This can lead to conditions like ‘submucous fibrosis’ and later to cancer.
Infections (HPV): Infection with the virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has become a major factor in causing cancer of the mouth and throat today.
Sharp teeth: Sharp teeth in the mouth or ill-fitting dentures can cause constant rubbing of the cheeks or tongue, causing wounds that remain unhealed for a long time.
Nutritional deficiency: A diet low in fruits and vegetables reduces the body’s immunity and increases the risk of cancer.
Excessive sunlight: People who work in the sun for a long time are at risk of developing lip cancer.
