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Dental Care

Stay Alert — How Can Improper Oral Hygiene Lead To Oral Cancer?

Good oral hygiene maintenance is not only about fresh breath and a sparkling smile; it is all about overall well-being and oral health and mouth. Most people know and understand the cruciality of flossing and brushing for healthy gums and teeth.

Another main reason why oral health cannot be neglected and has to be prioritized more is because it can certainly affect oral hygiene and can lead to deadly oral cancer. Regular check-ups with the dentist are necessary and visit Fishers, IN dentist for details about oral hygiene and personal check-ups to avoid the risk of oral cancer. 

Know about the risk factors and symptoms of oral cancer.

The most common symptoms of oral cancer can often feel or even look like other conditions or diseases of the mouth, throat, and lips. Other common symptoms of oral cancer are: 

  • A lump that does not go away or a sore that would not heal. 
  • Some other signs of oral cancer can be unexplained chronic mouth pain.
  • Loose teeth and pain in the jaw or gum.
  • Patches that are red or white in the throat or mouth area.
  • Difficulty in chewing or swallowing. 
  • Chronic bad breath or lump in the neck area.
  • For oral cancer, there are no known causes, but there are various known risk factors. These factors may include the consumption of excessive alcohol, tobacco, and use of cigarettes. A history of oral cancer in the family. The HPV virus and intense sun exposure are pretty common factors that affect the lips.

How is poor hygiene linked with the risk of cancer?

Studies show that there is a complete link between an increase in the development of oral cancer and poor oral hygiene. Here are the reasons why neglecting oral health can lead to oral cancer:

  • Chronic inflammation

Bad oral hygiene will allow unnecessary bacteria and plaque to build up on the gums and teeth. These might lead to chronic inflammation, which will, after that, affect the immune response of the body, weaken its function, and damage all the healthy cells, which will undoubtedly lead to the risk of cancerous cell development. 

  • HPV infection 

The complete form of HPV is human papillomavirus; these initially certain strains it is a risk factor for oral cancer, particularly oropharyngeal cancer. Bad oral hygiene may contribute to the risk of contracting HPV through oral sex.  

  • Harboring harmful bacteria 

The contamination of bacteria and plaque in the mouth leads to the breeding of harmful microorganisms. Some of these bacteria may lead to be the reason for oral cancer.  

How to upgrade oral hygiene methods?

Maintaining good oral hygiene is something that most people will do over time and generate a habit. Also, good oral hygiene is much more than just brushing your teeth twice a day. With the advancement of dental technology, there are various ways to make your oral habits easier. Here are some of the most common types of upgraded and easy methods:

  • Set proper reminders to brush your teeth.

Set and follow the reminders properly so that you remember to brush your teeth twice a day on a regular basis. It is essential to get rid of bad smells created by the accumulated bacteria in your mouth.

  • Flossing 

Flossing is one of the essential ways to clean teeth, and it is as necessary as brushing.

  • Use electric toothbrush

The use of an electric toothbrush is essential for good oral hygiene as it deeply cleanses your mouth and teeth.

  • See the dentist

Visit your dentist at least 2-3 days every month for regular checkups.

Conclusion 

Maintaining good oral hygiene is a healthy habit that will undoubtedly improve your health and help you avoid all risks of cancer. Also, visit the dentist for regular checkups for excellent and safe health.