Four great ways to reduce your risk for oral cancer

Stop using tobacco or don’t start – Tobacco, whether smoked or chewed, exposes the cells in your mouth to dangerous cancer-causing chemicals.

Drink alcohol only in moderation – Excessive alcohol consumption can irritate the cells in your mouth, making them susceptible to oral cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, moderation for healthy adults means up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger.

Protect your lips from excessive sun exposure – When outdoors, stay in shaded areas if possible. Also, wear a wide-brimmed hat that shades your entire face and apply a lip product containing sunscreen as part of your routine.

Visit us at Yahara Dental regularly – We’ll help you stay aware of precancerous changes by performing a full-mouth inspection at every routine dental exam. We will record and test any abnormal areas to help support your continued oral and overall health.