As soon as one hears of oral cancer, thoughts of smoking and tobacco chewing immediately arise. Those are the major causes, but they are not the only causes. There are even many cases of oral cancer in persons who do not use tobacco or smoke.

This blog shall tell you the other causes of oral cancer that you may not be aware of. Knowing all these will enable you to avoid risks and protect your health.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is a kind of cancer that attacks the mouth, lips, tongue, gums, and inner cheeks. Cancer sores can grow on the roof of the mouth or the floor as well.

If detected late, it may develop into an aggressive form of the disease, which then spreads into other body systems.

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Most Common Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Before we go any further, discussing the causes, the following are common signs that warn of oral cancer:

• Unhealing sores or ulcers in the mouth
• White or red patches in the mouth
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Teeth are loose for no apparent reason
• A lump or thickening on the cheek
• Pain in the jaw or tongue
• Chronic sore throat

If these warnings persist for longer than 2 weeks, you should seek medical attention from either your doctor or dentist.

Major Cause #1: Tobacco and Cigarettes

Tobacco is the major contributing factor for oral cancers, whether it is smoked or chewed.

• Cigarettes 
• Bidis
• Cigars
• Chewing Tobacco
• Gutkha
• Khaini

These products introduce chemicals that cause damage to the cells of the mouth and make the cells eventually cancerous.

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Cause #2: Abuse of Alcohol Use

Heavy and regular alcohol use also elevates the chances of occurrence of oral cancer. It is far riskier when combined with tobacco. Alcohol may irritate the lining of the mouth, making it susceptible to damage by harmful chemicals.

Cause #3: Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is mostly known to cause cervical cancer; some types, especially HPV-16, are also known to cause oral cancers. It spreads during oral sex or by close skin-to-skin contact. Most young persons diagnosed with oral cancer nowadays are non-smokers but possibly carry HPV.

Cause #4: Poor Oral Hygiene

Failure to brush and clean one’s teeth daily will cause chronic infections or gum disease. Long-term irritation and infection in the mouth lead to changes in cells and, therefore, an increased risk for oral cancer.

Cause #5: Spicy and Hot Food (Regular Burns)

Although spicy food cannot be said to be a direct cause of cancer, it can damage the soft tissue in your mouth when consumed often. Repeated burns and irritation predispose to cellular changes, especially if coupled with other risk factors like tobacco and alcohol.

Cause #6: Supari and Areca Nut

Without tobacco, chewing betel nut or areca nut is equally harmful. These nuts contain chemicals that cause an oral submucous fibrosis-like condition, one that stiffens the mouth lining, which may transform into oral cancer as it progresses. 

This is widely seen across South Asian countries, including India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Cause #7: Prolonged Sun Exposure (For Lip Cancer)

Farmers and construction workers who remain in the sun all day are exposed to UV rays, which are a cause of lip cancer. Without protection from the sun in any form (hat or SPF lip balms), the lower lip remains at risk.

Cause #8: Immune System Deficiency

Individuals having a weak immune system due to diseases like HIV or those under long-term immune-suppressing medications (for example, post-organ transplantation)—are more susceptible to oral cancer.

Cause #9: Family History or Genetics

If any of your parents, or maybe relatives, had oral cancer, your chances might be a bit increased. However, cancers are hardly ever formed directly from genetics alone until they come in contact with an added factor, such as smoking or drinking.

Cause #10: Ill-fitting Dentistry or Sharp Teeth

Dentures that do not fit, broken fillings, or sharp edges on some teeth can repeatedly rub the soft lining inside the mouth. Continuous irritation enters upon transformation toward cell changes, especially with tobacco or alcohol as an extra factor.

Cause #11: Nutritional Deficiency

A deficiency in vital vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, or Iron will undermine the lining of the mouth and lessen its ability to heal when injured. Gradually, this abnormal recovery can give rise to abnormal cell growth. 

Cause #12: Occupational Hazards

The workers in industries such as textile, leather, asbestos, wood dust, etc., might sometimes become exposed to chemicals or particles that can irritate the mouth or throat and increase the risk for oral cancer.

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How to Prevent Oral Cancer

The good news is that, in the majority of cases, oral cancer can be prevented by avoiding risk factors. Here are some pointers:

• Quit smoking and using tobacco
• Avoid excess alcohol consumption
• Keep good oral hygiene: brushing twice and flossing once every day
• Take a good diet with fresh fruits and vegetables
• See a dentist every 6 months
• Keep your general health under check regularly
• Use lip sun protection when working outdoors
• Do not chew betel nuts or supari
• Seek medical aid early if anything out of the ordinary shows in your mouth

Conclusion

Traditionally, oral cancer has been considered a smoker’s disease. Some people still get oral cancer despite not using tobacco. Awareness of all the risk factors-low dental hygiene, HPV, sharp teeth, or sun exposure – can promote its early prevention.

2025 is a year when awareness could save lives. Oral cancer detected early means greater chances for recovery. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Do alert and manage your health today.

FAQs

Q1. Can oral cancer happen to non-smokers?

Yes, other causes like HPV, poor oral hygiene, or sun exposure can also lead to oral cancer.

Q2. Is oral cancer painful?

In the early stages, it may not be harmful. That’s why regular check-ups are important.

Q3. Can HPV cause oral cancer?

Yes, especially HPV-16 is linked to cancers in the mouth and throat.

Q4. How can I check for oral cancer at home?

Look for non-healing ulcers, red or white patches, or lumps in your mouth that persist for more than two weeks.

Q5. Is oral cancer preventable?

Yes, avoiding risk factors like tobacco, alcohol, and poor dental care can reduce your chances.