Do you spend time wondering if there’s something you could be doing differently to decrease your likelihood of experiencing oral cancer? Perhaps you know that it’s a serious problem but you’re not sure how you might go about monitoring your smile for this concern. When it comes to this type of cancer, it’s very important that you feel informed and certain about the future. Whether you effectively prevent the disease or require treatment, we are prepared to assist you with kindness and advanced treatments every step of the way.
How Can I Decrease My Chances of Developing Oral Cancer?
Medical and dental professionals strive to offer exceptional preventive care for early detection, as well as effective oral cancer treatments. However, if you are looking for a way to decrease the likelihood that this illness will affect your mouth, then consider the following:
- You should stop smoking. You should also stop using any other tobacco products because they have been linked to an increased chance of developing this type of cancer.
- You should protect the skin of your lips with sunscreen year round. Even if you don’t lie out in the sun, any exposure to harmful UV rays may increase your chances of dealing with oral cancer.
- You may want to quit drinking alcohol. It has been linked to the development of a carcinogen as your body metabolizes the alcohol (or the beverage may simply contain carcinogens).
When Should I Be Worried About Oral Cancer?
We don’t want you to worry about cancer. However, we do want you to be proactive about prevention. During your dental examinations, you can expect the incorporation of an oral cancer screening. As long as you schedule your checkups every six months, we will be able to detect the disease as soon as it begins (often in its pre-cancerous stage) so we can offer treatment with an exceptionally high success rate.
ABOUT YOUR CERRITOS, CA ORAL SURGEON:
Dr. Shawn Hofkes and the staff at Cerritos Dental Surgery are highly qualified to address complex issues, including those that require oral surgery to correct. To schedule an appointment or consultation with Dr. Hofkes, contact us today by calling 562-584-4082. We proudly serve patients of all ages from Cerritos, Lakewood, Long Beach, Buena Park, and all surrounding communities.
