Like many other diseases, prevention and early diagnosis are key when it comes to protecting oral cancer patients. Read on to get a deeper insight into what this disease is and how you can protect yourself from it. For most people, the goal of good oral hygiene is to keep tooth decay at bay and ensure your breath stays minty fresh throughout the day. Unfortunately, there are other, more serious problems that can plague your mouth. One of them is the development of malignant tumors. Cancer cells can grow anywhere inside the mouth, including the roof of the mouth, gums, cheeks, lips, and tongue. The glands that secrete saliva, the tonsils, and even the inside of the throat are places where such growths have been known to appear. While it is difficult to spot this condition early due to lack of sufficient signs, some physical changes to be wary of are as follows: Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay An ulcer in the mouth that does not heal for a prolonged period Fading skin color anywhere in the mouth Tighter cheek skin showing some signs of potential growth. Throat infection that refuses to subside A painful sensation when swallowing food or water Numbness of the tongue Inability to move the jaw or tongue properly A growth in the throat or any other part of the mouth Oral cancer is not only a painful disorder but also a potentially life-threatening condition life, that's why it's a good idea to avoid it by taking the precautionary measures given below: Live a tobacco-free life – Tobacco, consumed in any form, is harmful to your oral health. Cigarettes, hookahs, snuff, e-cigarettes and other similar products that expose the inside of your mouth to tobacco can lead to the formation of malignant growths. Therefore, keep away from such substances to ensure maximum protection. Don't overindulge in alcohol – Excessive alcohol consumption for a prolonged period can ruin the body's immunity and its ability to resist the growth of cancer cells. Drink within the limits recommended by your doctor to avoid falling prey to oral cancer. Schedule Dental Checkups Often – Visiting your dentist twice a year is a great way to maintain oral health. A dentist can detect oral cancer in its nascent stage and alert you, thus increasing your chances of recovery. They will also be able to refer you to an appropriate specialist for further treatment. Get vaccinated for HPV – A specific strain of the HPV virus is one of the strongest causes of oropharyngeal cancer and therefore it is essential to get vaccinated for HPV in time. Using safety measures while having sex can also keep you away from the HPV virus. Save your lips from overexposure to the sun – The skin covering your lips is particularly sensitive and more prone to damage from prolonged exposure to UV radiation. A lip balm with a high SPF value can help form a protective layer on your lips. Likewise, wearing a wide-brimmed hat can help keep your lips shaded. If you have been treated for oral cancer, you are more likely to suffer from secondary cancer later. Be sure to have routine checkups with your doctor to quickly spot any such development.