Question 1

what level of alcohol consumption can cause oral cancer?

Accepted Answer

The Old Statistics: Exposure to 20 alcohol-equivalent-years is associated with oral cancer patients. That means 1 whiskey drink/1 glass wine/6 beers daily for 20 years.  Associating factors with a disease & how much contributed to the cancer are not relevant to you. Drink in moderation for its social & health benefits, if you wish & avoid tobacco products. Some oral cancer patients are non-drinkers or light drinkers.

Question 2

how much does family history, heredity, and ethnicity play into developing oral cancer, or is it primarily caused by tobacco, alcohol etc..

Accepted Answer

Mostly smoking : Though family history and genes always can play a role in susceptibility to cancer, the biggest factor is tobacco in any form, and alcohol contributes.

Question 3

if alcohol drinking leads to oral cancer, then does this mean that using mouth wash also may cause cancer?

Accepted Answer

Unsure: While alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor (especially when mixed with tobacco smoke) for head and neck cancer, the debate about the effect of oral mouthwash continues.  There is some belief that regular exposure may increase the risk of having abnormalities along the lining of the mouth.

Question 4

if alcohol drinking may lead to oral cancer, then does this mean that using mouth wash also may cause cancer?

Accepted Answer

Cancer of mouth: Using mouth wash to rinse your mouth is not known to cause oral cancer.

Question 5

is non alcohol listerine just as good for your teeth and gums as listerine with alcohol bec i hear alcohol listerine causes oral cancer?

Accepted Answer

Mouthwash: Mouthwash is an adjunct product in maintaining your overall oral health, and it is still debated if their use is absolutely necessary. Proper brushing and flossing is more essential. I do not like to endorse products, so I'll advise you the same way I do my patients: use the product that you feel most comfortable with.. it's hard to say what's better or just as good.

Question 6

is oral cancer common?

Accepted Answer

~35-40K cases/yr: There are about 35-40, 000 oral and pharynx cancers per year in the United States.

Question 7

symptoms of oral cancer?

Accepted Answer

A few: Oral ulcer or sore, swelling, pain. numbness, loose teeth, numbness, bleeding, difficulty swallowing or chewing.
See oral surgeon if concerned you might have oral cancer.

Question 8

how to know i have oral cancer ?

Accepted Answer

Biopsy report: Any suspicious lesion warrants a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of cancer. Unfortunately patients don't know that they have oral cancer until a dentist or physician sees it, biopsies it and give you the bad news. Have your dentist give you a full head and neck exam every 6 months. If it is not part of his\her routine, ask for it or find another dentist. Early detection is key!

Question 9

what are some signs of oral cancer?

Accepted Answer

White patch: A red or white or red patch on the lips, inside cheeks, gums or tongue that does not go away could be an early sign of oral cancer. A non-healing ulcer is another sign.  Don't wait for something to be painful. If you notice anything unusual (like the white patch in the picture), see your dentist or your doctor!

Question 10

is 16 too young to have oral cancer?

Accepted Answer

No: I hope you dont have oral cancer.  Please check with your dentist to be sure.

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Doctor answers about:

Oral cancer alcohol

A member asked:

What level of alcohol consumption can cause oral cancer?

A member asked:

How much does family history, heredity, and ethnicity play into developing oral cancer, or is it primarily caused by tobacco, alcohol etc..

A member asked:

If alcohol drinking leads to oral cancer, then does this mean that using mouth wash also may cause cancer?

A member asked:

If alcohol drinking may lead to oral cancer, then does this mean that using mouth wash also may cause cancer?

A member asked:

Is non alcohol listerine just as good for your teeth and gums as listerine with alcohol bec i hear alcohol listerine causes oral cancer?

A member asked:

Is oral cancer common?

A member asked:

Symptoms of oral cancer?

A member asked:

How to know i have oral cancer ?

A member asked:

What are some signs of oral cancer?

A member asked:

Is 16 too young to have oral cancer?

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