What comes out of many men’s mouths may well be lies and bitter refrains. We are in the midst of a domestic violence (DV) crisis and the great majority of this involves too many men hurting and killing their current and former intimate partners. Mouth cancer is twice as common in men as women: Why?

“In 2016, 3,744 people in the UK were diagnosed with mouth cancer. The risk of oral cancer increases with age. Age-standardised incidence rates of mouth cancer are higher in Scotland than the rest of the UK, and are rising in England and Wales. Mouth cancer is much more common among males than females with a ratio of approximately 2:1; more common among older age groups, with the peak age for diagnosis being 66 to 70 years.”
– UK Government

Smoking and drinking alcohol are the clear culprits in increasing the risk of developing an oral cancer. It is the duration of these habits which contribute to a tenfold increase in the risk of getting a mouth cancer. Men, also, spend more time outside traditionally via their vocational activities and this contributes to a prevalence of lip and skin cancers. This is a UK study but many of us in Australia are of British descent and we share many of the same cultural values, including diet to some extent. Our predilection for drinking too much alcohol comes from this shared cultural background, as this is the means by which Anglo’s relax their uptight natures. Ask yourself how many of us have our first intimate relationship in early adulthood thanks to the influence of alcohol on our decision making faculties. The disinhibiting effects of alcohol make it the perfect bed partner for our sexual inclinations.

Dietary Factors In The Prevalence Of Mouth Cancers Among Men

Dietary factors play another major role in the increased prevalence of mouth cancers among men vs women. Men in Anglo cultures, traditionally, eat diets favouring meat and complex carbs rather than those high in fruit and green leafy vegetables. Women are more likely to consume a better diet in these terms. Older generations, also, did not generally drink enough pure water and dehydrative impacts are another negative for good health. Put simply you have blokes eating too much meat, pastry, white bread, sugary snacks and drinking too much booze. Add being a smoker and not drinking enough non-alcoholic fluids full stop. The lifetime avoidance of vegies and salads is another signature poor dietary habit for too many men. This is still going on today, among many men I know, despite there being plenty of information widely available and regularly mentioned in the media about the importance of a balanced diet featuring plenty of fruit and vegetables. Eating enough dietary fibre is essential for a healthy diet. Our microbiome is heavily influenced by our dietary choices – these are the microorganisms in our large intestinal tract. Our immune system and mental health are directly impacted by the nature of the bacterial colonies in our guts. The gut-brain axis is recognised by medical science as the bio-chemical pathway responsible for many of our essential functions. Feed your microbiome green leafy vegetables and high fibre for optimal health results.

How Do I Know If I Have Mouth Cancer?

“Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, develops when abnormal cells grow and divide inside your mouth. Mouth cancer usually begins in your lips, tongue or floor of your mouth, but it can also be found in the roof of your mouth, tonsils, gums, cheeks and salivary glands. It can be quite an aggressive cancer. The cancer may not be found until it is quite advanced because you might not have any pain or symptoms. Your dentist is the person most likely to discover your mouth cancer, so it’s important to have regular dental check-ups. If you think you might have mouth cancer, you can also visit your GP.”
– Health Direct

Eating Too Much Meat Is A Dietary Failing Of The Modern World

In the ancient world, human beings did not eat meat every day, rather it was reserved for special occasions. The capitalist machine and the super abattoirs fill our supermarket’s refrigerated aisles with meat products sliced, diced, and filleted. The desire for a full on meat fix is fulfilled daily to the detriment of our health and wellbeing. Most of us spend our lives seated at desks, in cars, and on couches in air conditioned comfort. We do not require so much fleshy protein for our largely sedentary lifestyles, which, in fact, is literally killing us. This along with the lack of exercise, too much booze, and the sugar laden snacks we are stuffing our faces with. Roman legionnaires marched hundreds of miles on a diet of grain porridges invigorated by a dash of fermented fish sauce, and vegetables when available. They fought ferocious battles on this basis with gladius in hand. These incredibly hardy soldiers subsisted largely on a grain and vegetable diet. The consumption of meat only happened during animal sacrifices for religious ceremonies, where they would eat the roasted flesh of animals slain by the haruspex.

Our Mouths Are Delicate Entrances To Our Internal Realms

Yes, mouth cancer is twice as common in men as women: Why? Men, oftentimes, do not look after themselves when it comes to their health and wellbeing. Women are far more likely to regularly see a doctor and their dentist for check-ups. Many men self-medicate via the consumption of alcohol. Smoking and drinking are viewed by generations of older men, as de-stressing activities after a bad day at work or in reaction to problems at home. Of course, this is only making things worse on the health front, especially for things like mouth cancers. Cigarettes, liquor, recreational drugs, and now vapes are toxic, over time, to our mouths. Long term antidepressant drug use is, also, toxic to our oral health, as these pharmaceuticals were never designed for lengthy sustained usage by human beings.

Preventative Mouth Cancer Behaviours

Drink plenty of pure water each day. Reduce your consumption of alcohol, coffee, tea, soft drinks, fruit juices, sports drinks, and replace with water. Gargle a little water after every snack, meal, and non-H2O drink. Dry mouth is a ripe environment for the prevalence of the bad bacteria that causes tooth decay, gum disease, and eventually mouth cancers. Keep your mouth lubricated with pure water for best results. Maintain good hygiene where your mouth is concerned. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a good quality tooth paste. Floss for even better outcomes. Be aware of what you are sharing with others via oral activities. Be smart when it comes to what you put in your mouth.

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Note: All content and media on the Bacchus Marsh Dental House website and social media channels are created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

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