Oral cancer refers to cancer that develops in different parts of the mouth like lips, tongue, gums, the inner lining of cheeks, and the roof or the floor of the mouth. The treatment methods for oral cancer depend on what stage the disease has been diagnosed at, making it essential to know the symptoms of the condition. The signs include mouth sore that doesn’t heal, mouth pain, ear pain, loose teeth, and painful swallowing. There are many causes of oral cancer, some of which are discussed below here.

• Smoking
  The people who smoke cigarettes, a pipe, or cigars are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers.
• Tobacco
  If one likes to chew tobacco, then they are more likely to develop cancers of the cheeks, gums, or lining of the lips.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol
  Excessive alcohol consumption irritates the cells of the mouth and makes one vulnerable to mouth cancer.

Other causes of the condition are excessive exposure to the sun, family history of cancer, and human papillomavirus (HPV). There are many treatment methods for oral cancer depending upon the stage of cancer, the individual’s oral health, and the type of the condition.

• Radiation therapy
  Radiation therapy uses beams of high energy X-rays that damage the DNA inside the tumor cells. This further destroys their ability to reproduce. If the cancer is at a very early stage, then this treatment can control cancer.
• Chemotherapy
  This is one of the most common treatment methods for oral cancer. It uses drugs to damage the DNA of the cancer cells, affecting their ability to divide and spread in the body. On the downside, chemotherapy also affects the healthy cells in the body, leading to numerous side-effects.
• Hyperthermia therapy
  The doctor heats the area affected to above the normal temperature to damage and kill cancer cells in the body. This is a relatively new technology and is considered to be one of the latest treatment methods for oral cancer.
• Surgery
  If it is still an early stage of oral cancer, then the cancer tumor and lymph nodes can be removed with the help of surgery.
• Targeted therapy
  Targeted therapy is one of the sought-after treatment methods for oral cancer. It is effective in both early and advanced stages of the condition. The drugs used in this therapy bind themselves with specific proteins on cancer cells and interfere with their growth.
• Oral hygiene
  Another way to reduce the effect of oral cancer is by practicing proper oral hygiene. It is very important to keep the mouth moist and the teeth and gums clean.

Nutrition also plays an important role while one is undergoing cancer treatment. Sometimes, oral cancer treatment makes it difficult and painful to chew or swallow so the body doesn’t get proper nutrition, which further delays the healing process. For this, individuals can take the guidance of a nutritionist who can suggest food items that are gentle on the mouth.