If you have been a smoker, you probably know that quitting is not that easy. However, Dentists in NYC will give you plenty of reasons to do so. One major reason is that, it not only causes bad breath, but it also increases the risk of oral cancer. When we talk about oral cancer, it is not just mouth cancer we are speaking of. It also includes throat, salivary glands, the tongue, and lips. In the initial stages of oral and throat cancers, you may experience symptoms similar to a toothache. On the other hand, it could be painless.
There are several cases of oral cancer, many of which are detected in a very advanced state. It is important to perform oral exams periodically. If they are detected early enough, they can be treated at a very high survival rate. A key to the prevention of oral cancer, and the promotion of oral health, includes going to the dentist at least once a year for full routine oral care and reviews.
Bad breath is one of the early signs of oral cancer, especially if the patient is also a smoker. You should be reminded that you do not have cancer simply by having halitosis. Bad breath does not equal oral cancer. However, if you have oral cancer, one of the symptoms may be bad breath.
Other early signs of oral cancer are:
- Whitish, reddish or dark patches inside the mouth.
- Difficulty in chewing or swallowing (most experience a typical feeling like you have something stuck in your throat).
- Numbness in your mouth or cheeks.
- Changes in your voice.
The consumption of tobacco is the biggest risk factor concerning oral cancer. The best way to reduce the risk is to quit smoking, or by using other tobacco products. Dentists will express how important prevention is, and one of the steps in this process is to cut out everything that will prevent poor hygiene. Anything that will put your oral health at risk is considered to be a poor judgment call, that is, if you can control its use.
