{"id":1552,"date":"2026-04-12T18:14:33","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T18:14:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lrfamilydentalcare.com\/blog\/?p=1552"},"modified":"2026-04-26T18:17:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T18:17:35","slug":"smile-safety-factors-that-increase-the-risk-of-oral-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lrfamilydentalcare.com\/blog\/smile-safety-factors-that-increase-the-risk-of-oral-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Smile Safety: Factors that Increase the Risk of Oral Cancer"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Dentist<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

You might feel worried or surprised if your dentist lets you know they\u2019re screening the tissues of your mouth for oral cancer during a routine visit. But many providers include an oral cancer screening<\/a> as a standard part of preventive appointments to catch this risky condition in time to treat it in an effort to improve patients\u2019 prognoses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re unsure whether you\u2019re at an increased risk of developing this risky oral disease, continue reading to learn more about potential risk factors so you can avoid them and protect your dental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Oral Cancer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Oral cancer is a disease that can develop in your oral cavity or in the tissues of your mouth, such as your lips, tongue, cheeks, or other surfaces, though it can also affect the throat, neck, and head. Sources estimate that approximately 51,000 U.S. Americans are diagnosed with some form of this condition annually, and the 5-year survival rate for oral and oropharyngeal cancers is reported to be between 60% to 68%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re not alone if you\u2019re alarmed by these numbers, but thankfully, catching it early can significantly improve potential prognoses. Understanding the risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing the disease can help you and your dentist monitor your dental health and spot any areas of concern before they progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Increases the Risk of Oral Cancer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are a few factors that can increase the risk of oral cancer, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n