{"id":61,"date":"2025-02-12T14:16:18","date_gmt":"2025-02-12T14:16:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.advancedentalclinicmd.com\/blog\/?p=61"},"modified":"2025-03-20T14:20:19","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T14:20:19","slug":"connection-between-oral-cancer-and-smoking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.advancedentalclinicmd.com\/blog\/connection-between-oral-cancer-and-smoking\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring the Connection Between Oral Cancer & Smoking"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Whether you\u2019ve been smoking for years or you just picked up your first cigarette or vape pen a couple of weeks ago, it\u2019s never too early or late to quit. In fact, several medical conditions and diseases have been connected to this habit, ranging from an increased risk of heart disease to oral cancer. Learn more about the connection between oral cancer<\/a> and smoking, and start taking important steps towards quitting, like visiting your primary care physician, to better your oral and overall well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Oral Cancer & How is It Diagnosed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Oral cancer is the term used when cancerous cells are found in the mouth or face area, including but not limited to the head, neck, tongue, throat, lips, and roof and floor of the mouth. You may not have known, but at each of your routine checkups and cleanings at your dental office, they\u2019ll conduct a quick and thorough oral cancer screening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These screenings are aimed at finding common signs of the disease as early as possible to increase your chances of successful treatment if you are diagnosed with oral cancer. If they see any concerning issues or are unsure of their visual findings, they will refer you for a biopsy and testing from a specialist to diagnose the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can Smoking Increase Your Risk of Oral Cancer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The use of tobacco is a major risk factor for oral cancer, as well as many other types of cancer. Whether you smoke cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chew tobacco, or even vape, you are 10 times more likely to develop lung and oral cancers compared to someone who isn\u2019t a smoker. This is because you\u2019re exposing the tissues within your mouth to cancer-causing chemicals and agents in tobacco smoke, leading to cell and DNA damage. In fact, a study<\/a> published in Tobacco Induced Diseases<\/em> found that exposing your oral tissues to tobacco can also affect the immune system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, if you haven\u2019t yet taken steps to quit smoking, for the betterment of your health and well-being, it\u2019s a good time to start!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Do if You Notice Symptoms of Oral Cancer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Oral cancer can lead to a number of symptoms, all of which your dentist will examine you for at your bi-annual checkups. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n