Like many other diseases, prevention and early detection are key when it comes to protecting patients suffering from oral carcinoma. Read on to better understand what this disease is and how you can protect yourself from it. For most people, good oral hygiene involves keeping cavities at bay and ensuring their breath smells fresh and minty all day long. Unfortunately, there are other, more serious problems that can affect your mouth. One of them is the development of malignant tumors. Cancer cells can grow anywhere in the mouth, including the palate, gums, cheeks, lips and tongue. Saliva-secreting glands, tonsils and the bowels of the throat are also places where such growths appear. Although it is difficult to detect this condition at an early stage due to the lack of sufficient signs, here are some bodily changes to be wary of:Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay An ulcer in the mouth that does not heal for a prolonged period of time Skin color fading anywhere in the mouth Tighter cheek skin that shows signs of potential growth. Throat infection that refuses to go awayA painful sensation when swallowing food or waterNumbness of the tongueInability to move the jaw or tongue properlyA growth in the throat or elsewhere in the mouthOral carcinoma is not just a painful disease, it can also be life threatening, which is why it is a good idea to avoid it by adopting the precautionary measures below: Live a tobacco-free life – Tobacco, consumed under any any form, is detrimental to oral health. Cigarettes, hookahs, snuff, e-cigarettes, and other similar products that expose the inside of your mouth to tobacco can lead to the formation of malignant tumors. Therefore, stay away from these substances to ensure maximum protection. Don't overuse alcohol – Excessive alcohol consumption over a prolonged period of time can ruin your body's immunity and its ability to resist the growth of cancer cells. Drink within the limits recommended by your doctor to avoid falling prey to oral carcinoma. Schedule Dental Checkups Often – Visiting your dentist twice a year is a great way to maintain your oral health. A dentist can detect oral cancer in its early stages and alert you, improving your chances of recovery. They will also be able to refer you to an appropriate specialist for further treatment. Get vaccinated against HPV – A specific strain of the HPV virus is one of the most potent culprits of oropharyngeal carcinoma and hence it is essential to get vaccinated against HPV on time. Using safety measures during sex can also keep you away from the HPV virus. Avoid your lips from being overexposed to the sun – The skin covering your lips is particularly sensitive and more prone to damage from prolonged exposure to UV rays. A lip balm with a high SPF value can help form a protective layer on your lips. Likewise, wearing a wide-brimmed hat can help keep your lips shaded. If you have been treated for oral carcinoma, your chances of later suffering from a secondary cancer are higher. Be sure to perform routine follow-ups with your doctor to quickly detect such developments..