Did you know…
On a recent trip to the dentist, he examined my neck, cheeks and tongue after the cleaning. In all my years of enduring the dentist, he’s never done that before, so I asked why.
Turns out it’s a way to check for oral cancer, something that is starting to be diagnosed more often. And why is it diagnosed more often? Not just because of the usual suspects (tobacco and alcohol), but because of mouthwash. I know! I was shocked, too! Apparently, if you use mouthwash on a regular basis, and it contains alcohol, you’re at a higher risk for oral cancer.
On top of THAT, constant trauma to your mouth can heighten your risk for oral cancer as well. And that means me. When I get stressed, I chew on the inside of my cheeks. I even bit *through* my upper lip when I was at my most stressed point.
So…basically…if you want to keep your teeth, jaw, tongue, etc…go easy on the alcohol and tobacco, get non-alcoholic mouthwash, and don’t chew your cheeks to bits.
That’s it. Just new information I felt was vital enough to pass along. : )
Tags: alcohol, mouthwash, oral cancer, stress
Hmm.. I do that too.. the chewing of the inside of my cheeks. I should probably attempt to stop that.
Was chewing on my lips as I read this, and I’ve had the same chew spots going for years
I don’t do it with nerves though, I just enjoy the feeling