Oral cancer may not get the same attention as other cancers, but it should. Oral cancer is dangerous. It affects nearly 60,000 people in the U.S. every year. Over 12,000 die from it. It’s not just about smoking anymore. There are other risks that might surprise you.

Sugary Drinks May Boost Oral Cancer Risk

Yep, sugary drinks. Not just bad for your teeth, but possibly linked to oral cancer too. A study published in JAMA Otolaryngology found something shocking. Women who drank at least one sugary drink per week had a nearly fivefold increase in oral cancer risk. This includes drinks like soda, energy drinks, and sugary iced teas. Even just one a week had a strong correlation.

This was true even for women who didn’t smoke or drink alcohol. So this risk stands on its own. Researchers believe sugar may affect inflammation and the oral microbiome. When your body’s inflamed, your immune system gets thrown off. Also, a disrupted oral microbiome can mess with your mouth’s ability to fight off abnormal cell growth.

That doesn’t mean one soda will give you cancer. But it’s another reason to think twice before grabbing a sugary drink. Bottom line: sugar isn’t just bad for your waistline or teeth. It might also play a role in cancer development.

Tobacco and Alcohol Are Still the Top Dangers

Let’s not ignore the obvious. Tobacco is still the number one cause of oral cancer. Whether it’s cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, or even vaping, tobacco increases your cancer risk. A lot. Tobacco use causes most of the oral cancer cases in the U.S. Alcohol is another big factor. On its own, heavy drinking increases oral cancer risk significantly. Together? Tobacco and alcohol are a nightmare combo. When combined, they multiply each other’s effects.

In fact, people who use both have a much higher risk compared to people who use neither. The science is clear. These substances damage the cells in your mouth. Over time, damaged cells can mutate and become cancerous. If you smoke or drink heavily, cutting back can help more than you think. Quitting is hard, but it’s also one of the most powerful ways to reduce your risk. Don’t brush off these classic risk factors. They still matter.

Early Detection Makes a Huge Difference

This part is important: the earlier oral cancer is found, the better your chances of survival. A study published on PubMed showed a clear difference. People diagnosed in the early stages had much better outcomes. Catching it early can literally double your survival odds. The problem? Many people miss the early signs. They might ignore a sore in their mouth or a lump under the tongue.

That’s why regular dental checkups matter. Dentists are trained to spot early warning signs. They can identify unusual changes in the tissue, discoloration, and lumps that may be precancerous. Don’t wait for pain. Oral cancer doesn’t always hurt at first. It can grow silently. Set reminders to visit your dentist at least twice a year. And speak up if you notice anything off.

HPV Is Fueling a Rise in Oral Cancers

You might have heard of HPV. But did you know it’s strongly associated with oral cancer? Specifically, HPV16. It’s the same strain linked to cervical cancer. Now, it’s also connected to oropharyngeal cancers. These are cancers in the back of the mouth. Think tonsils, base of the tongue, and throat. HPV-related oral cancers are rising fast, especially in younger people. And many of them have never smoked or drank heavily. Many people who think they’re low-risk may still be vulnerable. HPV is changing the face of oral cancer. It’s not just an issue for smokers anymore.

Your Dentist Might Be the First to Notice

Dentists don’t just clean teeth. They’re on the front lines of cancer detection. Most oral cancers start small. A red patch, a white spot, or a tiny lump. These things are easy to overlook, unless you’re trained to spot them. During your routine exam, your dentist checks more than just cavities. They inspect your cheeks, gums, tongue, and throat. They’re looking for anything that doesn’t belong. If something looks off, they’ll refer you for a biopsy or further testing.

Skipping the dentist means you might miss these early red flags. And as we just covered, early detection is everything. Even if your teeth feel fine, that’s not the whole story. Oral health includes your whole mouth. So don’t wait for pain. Book that checkup! And while you’re there, ask your dentist to do a quick oral cancer screening. It only takes a minute, and it could save your life.

Conclusion

Oral cancer is more common than people realize. And it’s not just a smoker’s disease anymore. Sugar, HPV, alcohol, and delayed detection all play a role, too. The good news? You have control over many of the risk factors. You can make choices that lower your chances. Cut back on sugary drinks. Quit smoking. Moderate alcohol. And most of all, don’t skip the dentist! Schedule an appointment with Chattanooga Family Dental today to ensure that your oral health is in peak shape. Checkups could catch something early and make a life-saving difference. Awareness is the first step. Take it.