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It’s nutrition & hydration week, adopting healthy diet is vital for maintaining health and preventing disease, especially for your mouth. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, protein and dairy products and low in sugar will not only promote strong teeth and gums, but reduce your chances of developing tooth decay or gum disease.
Diet is also a prominent factor in reducing the risk for another serious mouth disease, oral cancer. While genetics plays a role in your susceptibility to oral cancer, lifestyle choices and practices present the greater risk factors for the disease.
Statistics:
There were around 7,600 new cases of oral cancer in the UK in 2013, that’s 21 cases diagnosed every day.
Oral cancer is the 14th most common cancer in the UK (2013).
2,119 Deaths from oral cancer, 2012, UK
Of these lifestyle factors, stopping smoking and moderating your alcohol consumption are of primary importance in reducing your cancer risk. With that said, you should also take into account the foods that are part of your daily diet.
Your diet should be rich in foods that supply antioxidants. The best sources for antioxidants are plant foods rich in fibre and vitamins C and E. Eating more of these may also reduce your intake of nitrates, animal fat and saturated fat.
Adopting a moderate, nutritious diet, along with exercise, can have a huge positive impact on your general health and quality of life. Along with other lifestyle changes, better dietary choices can also help ensure a healthy mouth and reduce your risk of oral cancer.
If you would like more information on the role of nutrition in reducing your risk of oral cancer, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.
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