Living In High Air Pollution Cities? You Better Take Care Of Oral Health As Studies Link It To Mouth Cancer!

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The last decade has witnessed numerous studies correlating air pollution to chronic diseases that silently ruin your overall health. Oral cancer is one such harmful effect that is alarmingly on the rise.

The link between air pollution and cancer is being studied extensively in order to raise awareness and prevent its occurrence. Stay tuned as we discuss how can air pollution cause cancer and its related studies.

Air Pollution and Cancer-The Link

A pathbreaking study highlighted air pollution as a possible cause of mouth cancer. The study stated that breathing polluted air affects more than just your lungs. Particles or particulate matter (PM) with a diameter of less than or equal to 2.5 microns are likely to enter your lungs through your mouth, causing lung and cardiovascular distress. But what bears the first brunt is the conduit-the mouth.

Heavy metal pollutants, hydrocarbons, and toxic gases such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and fine particulate matter of varying sizes are all included in PM2.5.

The development of cancer can occur through a variety of mechanisms, including:

● Absorption and condensation of toxic substances in the mouth,
● Specific elements of PM2.5, such as metals and organic compounds, cause slow carcinogenic mutations in mouth tissues.

How To Avoid Exposure To Air Pollution

The post-Diwali scenes in India look grim. While many cities and towns are battling for a gasp of breathable air, here are a few ways you can avoid unnecessary air pollution and curb mouth cancer:

Reduce Air Pollution

● Choose Green Diwali Celebrations: Encourage the use of eco-friendly firecrackers or alternative celebrations that do not involve the excessive use of fireworks.

● Promote Green Transportation: To reduce vehicular emissions, encourage the use of public transportation, electric/hybrid vehicles, cycling, or walking.

● Participate in or organize tree-planting campaigns to increase green cover, which helps absorb pollutants.

● Support and advocate for stringent environmental policies to control industrial emissions.

Reduce Exposure to Air Pollution

● Improve Indoor Air Quality: Use HEPA-filtered air purifiers to improve indoor air quality, especially during times of high outdoor pollution.

● Limit Outdoor Activities During Peak Pollution: Stay indoors during times of high air pollution, especially early morning and late evening.

● Wear Masks: When going outside, wear masks designed to filter out fine particulate matter, especially on days when pollution levels are high.

● Support and develop green spaces in urban areas to provide cleaner air for recreational activities.

Prevent Oral Cancer

● Maintain Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to maintain good oral hygiene and reduce the risk of oral cancer.

● Tobacco Products: Quit smoking and avoid using tobacco products, which are major contributors to oral cancer.

● A healthy diet should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are high in antioxidants and may help prevent cancer.

● Routine Dental Exams: Schedule regular dental check-ups to detect and treat any oral health issues as soon as possible.

● Raise Awareness: Educate communities about the connection between air pollution and oral cancer, emphasizing lifestyle changes as a means of prevention.

Conclusion

Air pollution and health need to go hand-in-hand. Understanding the grave link between air pollution and cancer is pivotal to acting accordingly. As responsible citizens, it is not only about self-care but also about making an effort to change the environmental conditions.

Adults can help to reduce air pollution, restrict exposure to hazardous chemicals, and prevent mouth cancer by implementing these actions. Collective community and policy initiatives are also required to solve greater environmental challenges.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.