Each one of us has a routine and daily habits that are a consistent part of our days. From drinking tea to spending some time in the sun, small tasks become the norm over the year. But what remains disguised is the effect these habits end up having on our health. When making the decision to improve your health, taking control of your everyday habits is vital. As some of these habits can put you at risk of developing health problems, such as mouth cancer. About 58,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2025, as per The Oral Cancer Foundation. Here are five habits that increase your risk of developing mouth cancer.
Sunlight and sunbeds
There is truly a thing as too much sun. For years, researchers have been warning us about the exposure to UV radiation from excessive sunlight which can lead to skin cancer. No matter where you get your tan from, natural sunlight or sunbeds, the risk remains the same. Lips are also exposed to UV radiation during the process and this can cause skin cancer. As per a 2015 study published in BDJthe lower lip is 12 times more commonly affected than the upper lip, in terms of exposure to deadly cancers through sun beds.
Drinking alcohol
While an odd drink now and then is fine, if you have an addiction then it’s time to rethink your life. Alcohol is linked to under a third of all mouth cancer cases and drinking too much increases the risk of developing the disease. According to a 2025 study published in BMJeven a low daily intake of alcohol, around 9g, is linked to a 50% increased risk of mouth cancer.
Smokeless tobacco products
While smokeless tobacco products are all the rage right now, they can be just as harmful as real smoking. Smokeless tobacco products, which include any tobacco product placed in the mouth or nose and not burned, are extremely powerful in increasing one’s risk of mouth cancer. A 2014 study published in Contemporary Oncologysmokeless tobaccos like chewing tobacco, naswar, snuff, snus, gutka and topical tobacco paste contain more than twenty-five compounds that have cancer-causing activity. Their use has been linked with the risk of oral cancer.
Unhealthy diet
A healthy and balanced diet can be a magician for your overall health and well-being. According to the Oral Health Foundationa third of mouth cancers are linked to an unhealthy diet and a lack of vitamins and minerals. Adding foods like nuts, seeds and brown rice can help decrease the risk.
Smoking
Of course, smoking is one of the leading habits that lead to oral cancer. Smoking cigarettes, pipes, cigars and more can increase the risk of developing the disease by 10 times as compared to non-smokers, as per Johns Hopkins Medicine. As per a 2025 study published in the Journal of Pharmacy & BioAllied Sciencessmoking leads to oral cancer with exposure to carcinogenic compounds. These habits might seem harmless now, but over time they damage your health and increase your risk of developing chronic diseases such as oral cancer. Limiting or avoiding them completely is the best and healthiest way forward. Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment and before changing your diet or supplement regimen.
