Oral cancer is a serious disease that can cause major problems including death. If you want to optimize your oral health near Newton , keep reading to learn about the risk factors for this disease so you and your dentist can work together to prevent it: 
Tobacco Products
Using cigarettes and other tobacco products significantly increase your risk for oral cancer. In fact, about 80 percent of people who have oral cancer use or have used tobacco products for long periods of time. Smoking cigarettes increases your risk for developing cancer in the mouth or the throat. Using other tobacco products can increase your risk for developing cancer in the cheeks, the gums, and the lips.
Alcohol
Drinking a lot of alcohol can also increase your risk for developing oral cancer. About 70 percent of the people who are diagnosed with the disease drink heavily. If you smoke and drink regularly, you will face a lot of increased risk for developing these diseases. If you stop these habits, you can decrease your risk and have a better chance of maintaining a healthy mouth.
Gender and Age
Men are twice as likely to develop some kind of oral cancer as women. The American Cancer Society is noticing that more women are starting to use alcohol and tobacco products , though, which is increasing oral cancer in females. Most people who are diagnosed with this form of cancer are over 55, with an average age of 62.
Ultraviolet Light
People who work outside and have a lot of exposure to ultraviolet light are at a higher risk of developing cancer of the lip. If you spend a lot of time in the sun, it is important to wear products with sunscreen to keep this dangerous light from increasing your oral cancer risk.
Poor Nutrition
Studies have shown that people who do not eat a lot of fruits and vegetables are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer. Try to make some healthier nutrition choices to lower your risk for these cancers and to improve your overall health.
