What can cause the development of oral cancer in patients?

The development of oral cancer has been strongly linked to smoking and alcohol use. Both of these substances contain carcinogenic compounds that can damage the cells in the oral cavity, leading to mutations and ultimately cancer. Smoking introduces a variety of harmful chemicals into the body, many of which can linger in the mouth and throat, increasing the risk of malignancies. Alcohol, meanwhile, can act as an irritant to the tissues in the mouth and throat and can also enhance the effects of tobacco smoke when used in conjunction with it. This synergistic effect significantly raises the risk of developing oral cancer in individuals who consume both substances.

In contrast, excessive consumption of dairy products, consuming more than one fruit a day, and a high-fiber diet do not have established links to an increased risk of oral cancer. In fact, fruits and a high-fiber diet are generally considered protective factors against various types of cancer due to their antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.