SFMS Dental Practice Exam

Tobacco and alcohol users are at a higher risk for oral cancer due to the carcinogenic effects of both substances. Tobacco, whether smoked or chewed, contains numerous harmful chemicals that can cause genetic mutations in oral cells, leading to cancer development. Similarly, alcohol acts as an irritant and can enhance the harmful effects of tobacco, thereby increasing the likelihood of oral lesions and malignancies.

The synergistic effect of using tobacco and alcohol together intensifies the risk even more, as these substances can compromise the natural defenses of the oral cavity and allow for a greater incidence of cancers. Regular exposure to these risk factors can significantly heighten the likelihood of developing not just oral cancer, but cancers of the throat and esophagus as well.

In contrast, vegetarians, individuals with braces, and people who consume large amounts of dairy do not share the same high-risk profile associated with oral cancer. Vegetarian diets, in particular, are often rich in antioxidants and beneficial nutrients that can help protect against cancer.