Inverleith Dentalcare

Lifestyle Choices and Mouth Cancer: Simple Steps to Reduce Your Risk

When it comes to protecting your health, the choices you make every day have a profound impact on your well-being. Mouth cancer, though less talked about than other types, can have life-altering consequences. This Mouth Cancer Action Month, we’re highlighting how certain lifestyle choices can raise or lower your risk for this serious condition—and how making small changes can help keep your smile and your health in top shape.

The Connection Between Lifestyle and Mouth Cancer

Mouth cancer affects areas like the lips, gums, tongue, and inner cheeks. While it can happen to anyone, lifestyle habits like smoking, alcohol use, diet, and other factors can play a significant role in its development. By taking a proactive approach, you can significantly reduce your risk and stay ahead of potential health concerns.

Key Lifestyle Factors and How They Impact Your Oral Health

Tobacco Use: Smoking cigarettes or cigars, and using other tobacco products, expose your mouth to harmful chemicals that increase cancer risk. Even smokeless tobacco products can have dangerous effects on oral tissues. Reducing or quitting tobacco is one of the most impactful steps you can take for your health. Support is available through apps, community groups, and even counselling, which can make the journey easier.
Alcohol Consumption: Regular alcohol intake, particularly in high amounts, irritates the cells in your mouth and weakens the immune system’s ability to repair damage, creating a higher risk for cancer. By moderating alcohol intake or choosing alcohol-free days, you can lessen the burden on your body. If you do drink, try to limit yourself to moderate amounts and stay hydrated.
Poor Dietary Habits: Nutrient-poor diets lacking in vitamins and minerals, especially those found in fresh fruits and vegetables, can leave the body less equipped to fight cell damage that can lead to cancer.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV): HPV infections, particularly certain strains, are associated with an increased risk of oral cancers. Practicing safe habits and staying informed about HPV can help reduce exposure.

Other Preventive Measures to Protect Your Oral Health

Prioritise Oral Hygiene: Maintaining good brushing and flossing habits, along with regular mouthwash use, can help keep harmful bacteria at bay and reduce inflammation.

Use Sun Protection for Your Lips: Lip balms with SPF can shield the sensitive skin on your lips from harmful UV rays, reducing cancer risk.

Stay on Top of Dental Checkups: Routine dental exams are crucial for spotting any changes early. Dentists are trained to look for symptoms of oral cancer, giving you peace of mind that you’re taking preventive action.

Taking Charge of Your Health This Mouth Cancer Action Month

While factors like genetics and age can’t be changed, your lifestyle choices are in your control. This Mouth Cancer Action Month, consider taking steps to reduce your risk through tobacco cessation, alcohol moderation, balanced nutrition, and regular checkups. By making mindful choices, you’re investing in a healthier future for both your mouth and your body. Remember, every small step you take today can lead to a healthier tomorrow.

If you would like to find out more, please contact our team by calling 0131 552 4830 or emailing info@inverleithdentalcare.co.uk.

To book a consultation, you can use our direct online booking system by clicking here.

We look forward to welcoming you to Inverleith Dentalcare.

What Our Patients Are Saying

Inverleith Dentalcare

4.9

Based on 349 reviews

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Clara Gore

08:29 11 Feb 25

What a great gentle experience! Thank goodness for a lovely dentist

billy darling

08:21 11 Feb 25

Outstanding service as always

Amanda Robbins

08:15 10 Feb 25

Thomas Chan

11:20 07 Feb 25

David is very gentle and considerate with his patients. He explained every steps during the treatment. Very satisfied.

Gordon Clayton

10:00 06 Feb 25

Although a double appointment with the Hygienist is not my idea of fun, Rihanna and her Assistant were as usual very pleasant and took care to carry out the various procedures with care and ensure my comfort and provide good advice for future dental hygiene. Inverleith Dental practice can be recommended for care. .

chris fowles

15:27 30 Jan 25

I had an excellent hygiene appointment today with Brianna and Peter.They were very professional and the level of cleaning was second to none. I appreciated the advice that was given at the end of the appointment regarding my at home care.Thanks!

Brian Mulholland

14:23 06 Jan 25

I had a great experience at Inverleith Dentalcare. John McAleavey was very thorough during my check-up and used a camera system to create a 3D scan of my teeth, showing where plaque had built up, which was really helpful. Briana, the hygienist, did an excellent job, leaving my teeth feeling very clean. Overall, I was very pleased with the service and would recommend Inverleith Dentalcare, especially John and Briana.

Iwona Walkowiak

11:29 19 Dec 24

I was able to secure an emergency appointment as a new patient and was impressed by the friendly and welcoming reception staff. The dentists were both positive and highly professional, ensuring a smooth and painless removal of my wisdom tooth. Thank you so much for the exceptional care. I highly recommend their services.

Dona Easton

10:16 02 Nov 24

I cannot recommend this practice highly enough!It is a delight to visit. I am treated with courtesy, friendliness and respect from the reception staff. Likewise, my excellent dentist - Dr Chris Fowles, who is highly skilled and takes time to explain all the procedures to me, often on screen, which ensures my complete understanding of all my treatments.

David Wilson

20:26 15 Oct 24

Excellent service. Emergency appointment as lost a filling away from home. Staff were exceptionally helpful and supportive. From Reception through to Treatment it was a very positive experience. Should I move to Edinburgh I would be extremely happy to apply to join their books. Many thanksDavid Wilson

Jean Kenyon

18:00 12 Aug 24

David Neilson

16:45 08 Aug 24

Great dentistry. I would definitely recommend.

Susanne Goetzold

13:57 25 Jul 24

Really happy with this dental practice. Chris Fowles is an excellent dentist. He takes time to explain treatment and options and also explains what he is doing during check ups and treatments, so nothing comes as a surprise. Great for anxious patients. He also has a great sense of humour. Staff always really friendly and helpful.

Mariam Aziz

08:46 25 Jul 24

I would very highly recommend the Inverleith Dental clinic. They are very professional and really knowledgeable. The admin staff is very helpful and will get you the information that you need to make a decision abo the best treatments you need. Dr. John McAleavy is excellent. He was also very knowledgeable about my TMJ issues and he was really understanding during the appointment and he sign posted me to the tools I needed; this made me feel that he cares about my progress and the best outcome for my case. Overall, I had a great experience and I can confidently say that will come back to Inverleith for any follow ups and future dental needs.

mattias nuella

20:16 24 Jul 24

The staffs were nice and big ups to Dr. Chris, my consultation session with him was good and he was friendly.

Sandra Johnson

19:00 24 Jul 24

Could not ask for better treatment! Thank you so much for all your care, attention and kindness for my son Jay who is having treatment with Chris Fowles he has Cerebral palsy and cannot make it up the stairs so they use a room downstairs to support Jay, Chris has been so thoughtful and makes Jay feel at Ease and explains everything he is doing before he does it this really means a lot. Highly recommend to anyone.

Jo Nash

17:14 17 Jul 24

I met with Dr John McAleavey as a new patient for a consultation about my complex dental health situation. I'm a nervous patient and was instantly at ease on entering the practice. John really listened to my background story and quickly spotted the source of my problems that had been missed by other dentists. My assessment was the most rigorous I've ever received, yet very gentle. John took the time to explain everything thoroughly and clearly. I left the practice with a sense of peace that I'd found the answers I'd been seeking, and confident I was in the hands of expert professionals. I'd recommend them to anyone.

Rosemary Jamieson

19:58 05 Jul 24

I was anxious before my first appointment with Inverleith Dental - my dentist of 25 + years had retired and I needed a practice nearer home - but I should not have worried!The welcome from the receptionist was lovely - The initial conversation with the dentist was very helpful - I learned about the ethos of the practice and felt I was being listened to - in addition this chat took place before the mouth examination so I was not in the reclining position which can put the patient at a disadvantage!The receptionist was most helpful with my mobility problems on leavingThe beautiful Georgian building is a bonus

Ookii Neko

11:50 09 Jun 24

I found Inverleith Dentalcare as I needed emergency dental treatment. They were very accommodating and managed to allocate an appointment the next day. Their service is second to none with professional and caring staff, dentists take the time to explain the procedure to the patient, and use modern standard techniques, materials and treatments. Worth every recommendation.