Scientists studying half a million retirees in the USA report that each extra serving of fruit and vegetables per 1,000 calories was linked to a 6% reduction in the risk of head and neck cancers, including mouth cancers.

Switching to a healthy eating lifestyle could make a huge difference to those not in the habit. A third of oral cancers are linked to poor diet. The study found that people going one beyond the recommended five a day, to six portions, were 30% less likely to develop the cancers than those just eating just one and a half servings of fruit and vegetables.

Dr Sunita Verma, Principal from Sparkle Dental Boutique in Hounslow says “We can take steps to prevent oral cancers, a disease which kills one person every five hours in the UK. Steps can be as simple as improving diet or quitting tobacco which is linked to 80% of oral cancers”

Sunita goes on to say “Also vital are self examinations for warning signs. Warning signs include ulcers which do not heal within three weeks, red, white and unusual patches in the mouth and unusual swellings or changes in the mouth and neck. Visiting the practice regularly for oral cancer screenings is also key as early detection of oral cancer improves survival chances to 9 in 10 cases”.

Source: Preventive Dentistry