Beyond Smoking: 4 Surprising Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

won’t heal, a lump, or a red or white patch, these cancers affect over 58,000 Americans each year.

While cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption are the leading causes of oral cancer, other more surprising factors can significantly raise your risk. 

Our expert team at Swinney Dental in Tyler, Texas, provides preventive care and oral cancer screenings to protect you from these diseases and their complications.

In light of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, here are several lesser-known oral cancer risk factors to take seriously.

1. Chronic iron deficiency and poor nutrition

Iron is an essential mineral that plays an important role in brain and immune function, oxygen distribution, and energy metabolism. 

When your levels drop and remain consistently low, impaired oxygen flow to tissues in your mouth could make way for a reduced ability to fight off tumor growth. 

As a result, chronic iron deficiency and poor nutrition are significantly linked with oral cancers.

2. Human papillomavirus 

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. It’s also the leading cause of tongue and tonsil-based cancers, particularly in non-smoking and younger adults.

Tongue and tonsil cancers are believed to stem from 60-70% of cases. HPV is often asymptomatic, especially early on. The HPV vaccine is highly effective for preventing infection and related cancer, but only 16% of adults and about 63% of teens have had the vaccine.

3. Tanning and UV exposure

If you’ve spent ample time in tanning beds or in the sun without protecting your skin from ultraviolet rays, you hold a heightened risk for lip cancer. Excessive UV radiation damages cell DNA and can fuel uncontrollable cell growth, the pathway to many cancers. 

Chronic UV exposure commonly causes precancerous changes in the delicate skin on the lips. Left ignored, these shifts can progress into squamous cell carcinoma.

4. Chronic mouth inflammation

Long-lasting inflammation in your oral tissues can lead to oral cancer by damaging DNA, prompting uncontrolled cell division, and hindering your immune function. 

Rather than fight off toxins, the damaged cells can fuel tumors, tumor growth, and metastasis.

It’s easy to have mouth inflammation without realizing it, particularly at first. Common factors that bring it on include:

• Ignored broken or damaged teeth
• Poorly fitting dentures
• Poor brushing and flossing habits
• Skipping dental cleanings and exams
• A diet rich in heavily processed, sugary, and salty foods

If your oral inflammation carries on for months, years, or decades, it can gradually increase your oral cancer risk.

One of the best ways to get on track with oral health, including reducing your risk of oral cancer, is a routine dental cleaning and exam.

To find out if you’re showing signs of oral cancer or precancer or get started with preventive care, contact Swinney Dental today. It’s never too soon or too late to better tend to your oral health.