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Are You Making This Common Morning Mistake That Raises Your Risk of Head and Neck Cancer?

Dr. Rahul Verma 128 Views
Published: 27 Jan 2025
Updated: 27 Jan 2025
Head and Neck Cancer

Do you know that the bacteria hidden inside your gums might trigger several health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and head and neck squamous carcinoma? 

Until now, there was some uncertainty about the type of bacteria responsible for these cancers. One thing in your morning routine increases your risk of developing cancer. It would help to remember this daily while looking at yourself in the mirror. 

While working out your mental tally to prepare for the rest of the day, you might have your coffee or breakfast quickly. This is where it all starts! 

Thankfully, you have a good oral routine to ward off your cancer risks. Brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing, and regularly checking with your dentist extensively help you. Read the blog till the end to understand the factors causing head and neck cancer. Plus, learn how the benefits of good dental hygiene can extrapolate to preventing cancer. 

Significant Factors Underlying Head and Neck Cancers 

The underlying reasons behind head and neck cancer are many; however, the following are the most prominent ones. 

1. Addiction to Tobacco 

Cigars, cigarettes, pipes, or even being addicted to smokeless tobacco are the key influencers of your head and neck cancers. 

2. Addiction to Alcohol

Regularly consuming heavy alcohol doses makes a person more vulnerable to the development of head and neck cancers. If you want to derive the benefits of good oral health, you should avoid your addiction to both tobacco and alcohol. 

3. Faulty Nutrition 

Check your diet. If it is low in essential minerals and vitamins, you are likely to increase your chances of developing cancer. 

4. Exposure to HPV 

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is now becoming an increased risk factor associated with the development of head and neck cancers. 

5. Poor Oral Hygiene 

Check the health of your gums and teeth. Excellent dental hygiene has several benefits, as everything starts in your mouth. It is the open gateway for many microbes to enter your body. 

6. Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancers 

Before a complete blown stage or progression, your cancer will trigger you with specific symptoms. A few are lumps or swelling, difficulty swallowing, persistent sore throat, voice change, troubled breathing, unexplained loss in weight because of poor appetite, numbness, and bleeding. 

One of the key challenges with your head and neck cancers is that often, the symptoms are subtle, leading to their late detection and more challenging treatment. Most of your head and neck cancers start in the squamous cell linings of your nose, mouth, and throat. 

Are You Deriving the Benefits of Good Dental Hygiene? 

The answer to this question depends on how you maintain your dental hygiene. Flossing helps in removing all the plaque lining your gums below. Aside from avoiding to floss, other poor habits of dental hygiene routine include - 

  • Ignoring brushing your teeth twice daily 
  • Avoiding sparing at least  30 seconds of brushing on each side 
  • Not using fluoride toothpaste
  • Having breakfast before brushing your teeth 

For deriving the maximum benefits of good dental hygiene, here are some recommendations:

  • Change your toothbrush once every quarter 
  • Keeping your toothbrush upright so that it air dries
  • Avoid rinsing your toothbrush immediately after brushing

How Can You Reduce Your Risks Associated with Head and Neck Cancer?

Here are a few ways of avoiding risks associated with head and neck cancers - 

  • Avoid or limit your tobacco and alcohol consumption 
  • Limit your sunlight exposure. Sunscreen, lip balm, and sun powder are pretty beneficial. 
  • Enjoy a well-balanced diet, as proper nutrition plays a crucial role in keeping your cancers away 
  • Maintain the hygiene of your mouth. 

Takeaway 

Maintaining good oral hygiene is quite helpful in preventing the onset of head and neck cancers. While there are several benefits of good dental hygiene, it is also essential for you to visit your dentist regularly. In-person screening helps you understand what is going on in your mouth and take appropriate steps in the right direction. The best way to avoid cancer complications is to take good care of your personal and oral hygiene. Twice brushing and regular flossing is necessary for maintaining the optimum health of your teeth and gums.

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