More benefits of brushing
Good oral hygiene helps to reduce cancer risk.
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When you go to the dentist, are you just taking care of your teeth, or are there other benefits that come from your visit besides that free toothbrush?
Oral hygiene impacts your overall health
The truth is that your oral hygiene factors into many other aspects of your overall health and wellbeing.
Poor dental health has been previously linked to increased cardiovascular health risk and even pneumonia, according to studies published in the Journal of Periodontology and British Dental Journal.
However, a study published in the Annals of Oncology found that good oral hygiene habits led to a modest reduction in the risk for head and neck cancer.
Dentists can help spot signs of head and neck cancer
Zafar Sayed, MD, chief of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, said dentists often serve as the first line of defense against head and neck cancer through routine screening and helping to identify concerning signs and symptoms. These include:
- White or red lesions on the tongue, gums or lips
- Pink, white or red sores that tend to bleed very easily
- Persistent sores in the oral cavity that don’t heal
- Numbness in the mouth, including numb teeth, tongue or lips
- Difficulty opening the jaw or moving the tongue
- Loose teeth or changes in how dentures are fitting
"These symptoms may be due to poor oral and dental health, but they could also be indicators of larger health issues, as some head and neck cancers can first present this way as well," said Dr. Sayed. "There’s an early-detection advantage to identifying certain oral lesions. Regular dental visits may catch the first signs of systemic issues, like nutritional deficiencies or even certain cancers, before symptoms appear elsewhere.”
A healthy mouth can support a healthier body
Put simply, keeping your mouth healthy reduces chronic inflammation, lowers risk for major diseases, supports good nutrition and helps catch problems early, all of which contribute to a longer, healthier life.
If you notice a sore, numbness or change in how your jaw or tongue moves that does not improve, don’t wait to bring it up. A dentist or physician can help determine whether it’s related to oral health or if additional evaluation is needed.
Are you concerned about possible cancer symptoms?
If you need a cancer specialist or have questions about our head and neck cancer clinic at Baptist MD Anderson, please call 904.202.7300 or visit BaptistMDAnderson.com.
