Oral cancer is a disease condition that is also called as mouth cancer. This is a common condition that occurs in many people. There are various factors that are associated with the cause of this disease. This is one of the cancers that are easily preventable if the person who is at a high risk is able to modify the lifestyle. Lifestyle modification in the early stages of the disease affecting the person will also help in slowing the progression of the disease.

There are various common causes of oral cancer. The most common ones are listed here.

1. Use of tobacco products:

The use of various tobacco products helps to increase the risk of cancer of the mouth. The nicotine that is present in the cigarettes and other products act as an irritant that causes the tissues to become distorted and cancerous. The use of cigarettes and smoking are not the only causes of cancer of the mouth. People who chew tobacco products are also at a very high risk of being affected from this disease.

2. High consumption of alcohol:

Though alcohol consumption is rarely associated with the occurrence of anything other than liver problems, it has been found that the use of excessive alcohol by any person will lead to cancer in the mouth.

3. The diet:

The diet that is consumed by the person is another cause of oral cancer. There are various kinds of foods that are being consumed. The best food that will reduce the risk of oral cancer is natural foods. Any food that is packed or canned will increase the risk of oral cancer. This is because of the addition of additives and other preservatives in the food that is packed. A diet of very spicy food will also cause oral cancer. These foods act as irritants in the mouth and lead to oral cancer.

4. Lack of oral care:

There are many people who do not take care of their teeth and mouth properly. This causes the person to suffer from frequent mouth sores. This is another common cause of oral cancer.

Prevention of oral cancer:

The prevention of cancer plays a very important role in the health of the individual. Cancer of the mouth is easily preventable. The first step in the process is to identify the person who is at a high risk of being affected from oral cancer. Once this is identified, the next step is to take steps to prevent the cancer from occurring.

Reduction or complete cessation of use of tobacco products is the first and most important method of preventing oral cancer. The cessation of tobacco product use will decrease the risk of oral cancer to a large extent within a short span of time. This is by far the best method of preventing oral cancer.

Reduction in the consumption of alcohol is another method that will prevent oral cancer. Alcohol has been seen to be beneficial to the person if it is consumed in small quantities. If the same is consumed in large quantity, it can lead to various complications, side effects and diseases like oral cancer. So, reduced intake of alcohol will prevent oral cancer.

Proper oral care is another method of preventing oral cancer. Regular flossing, brushing twice a day and maintaining dental hygiene with mouthwash will help prevent oral cancer.

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