Preventing Mouth Cancer

I copied this from the British Dental Health Foundation site - http://www.mouthcancer.org
because it's so important and I don't feel I could put it any better.

TOBACCO – how can I quit smoking?

Tobacco is the most common cause of mouth cancer. Risk is the same for users of all forms of tobacco, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, paan, areca nut and guthka.

Research has found that switching to low-tar cigarettes does not help either as users are likely to inhale more smoke to compensate.

How can I quit?

Speak to your pharmacist about nicotine replacement such as chewing gum or patches.

The NHS stop smoking service operates out of pharmacies and includes support groups and treatment options.

ALCOHOL

Alcohol is another major risk factor – more than 7 in 10 people diagnosed drink more than the recommended daily limit.

Drinking increases the mouth's rate of absorption of tobacco. People who drink and smoke to excess are up to 30 times more likely to develop mouth cancer.

It is recommended that men drink no more than 3-4 units per day and women drink no more than 2-3. (One unit is equivalent to ½ a pint of lager, a single measure of spirits or a small glass of wine).

DIET

A healthy balanced diet containing the recommended five a day fruit and vegetable portions can help lower mouth cancer risk.

Studies have also suggested that each extra portion of fruit and veg lowers risks yet further.

Eat green and yellow fresh fruit and vegetables every day - bananas, peppers, broccoli, beans and cabbage are good sources of beta-carotene that can help to prevent other cancers too.

Fish and eggs have also been linked to reduced risk.

SUNBLOCK

To prevent lip cancer make sure you wear protective screening lotion when the sun is shining.

Gum Disease May Increase Cancer Risk

Researchers at Harvard University School of Public Health have found that men with a history of periodontitis (gum disease involving bone loss around the teeth) have a small but significantly higher risk of developing cancer than do those with healthy gums. Except for lung cancer, the increased risk holds true for men with periodontal disease whether or not they have ever smoked – although smokers are much more likely to develop gum disease.

The most common cancers reported were colorectal, skin (melanoma), lung, bladder, prostate and white blood cell cancers. It is not yet clear whether periodontal disease is a marker for a susceptible immune system or if it directly affects cancer risk.

Either way – this is another good reason to look after your teeth and gums. For more information, or if you would like practical help, go to

http://www.dentistintown.co.uk/

If you would like to read the Harvard report, you can do so at

The Lancet Oncology, Volume 9, Issue 6, Pages 550 - 558, June 2008

And remember, if you want cosmetic dentistry, it MUST be carried out on a healthy base - otherwise it WILL fail.