It's essential to see a doctor or dentist if you experience any of the following for more than two weeks:

• Sores, lumps, or patches in the mouth

• Unexplained pain in the mouth or throat

• Difficulty swallowing or a persistent sore throat

• Any other unusual changes in the mouth area

 Do's:

• Quit smoking: Avoid any form of tobacco.

• Limit alcohol consumption: Keep drinking to moderate levels or stop altogether.

• Eat a healthy diet: Include plenty of fruits and vegetables.

• Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.

• Protect your lips from the sun: Use lip balm with SPF.

• Get vaccinated for HPV: Reduces the risk of HPV-related oral cancers.

• Visit the dentist regularly, as they can spot early signs of oral cancer.

 Don'ts:

• Avoid excessive sun exposure, especially on your lips.

• Don't ignore mouth sores: Get them checked if they last more than two weeks.

• Limit or avoid smoking and alcohol: Both are major risk factors.

• Avoid poor-fitting dentures: Ensure they are comfortable and don't cause irritation.

Disclaimer:

Our medical content authors have diligently gathered and synthesized information on this topic to offer valuable insights to our readers. Drawing from a range of reputable medical journals and health resources, this content aims to enhance understanding of the subject. It's essential to remember that while this information is informative, it should not replace personalized consultation or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. For further details, please refer to our Editorial Policy.

For this topic, our authors used some of the following resources:

Cleveland Clinic | Oral Cancer
Mayoclinic | Mouth cancer
American Cancer Society | Oral Cavity (Mouth) and Oropharyngeal (Throat) Cancer

Harvard School of Dental Medicine | Understanding Oral Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments