Oral Hygiene and Oral Cancer: The Vital Link

BY: Dr Pradakshana Vijay

The author is Specialist in Oral Pathology

It is commonly known that maintaining good oral hygiene can help avoid dental problems like cavities and periodontal disorders. However, the connection between oral health and oral cancer—specifically, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which accounts for more than 90% of all oral cancers globally—is a frequently disregarded but important aspect of oral health. Because of its extremely high frequency in South and Southeast Asia, this type of cancer continues to be a serious public health problem. Gaining insight into the connection between oral hygiene and oral cancer is essential for developing risk-reduction tactics, promoting early identification, and eventually enhancing survival rates.

Malignancies that develop in the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx are all included in the category of oral cancer. Non-healing ulcers, red or white patches appearing in the oral cavity, localized thickening or lump formation, unexplained bleeding, numbness, and trouble chewing or swallowing are some of the mild but persistent symptoms that frequently accompany the early stages of oral cancer. dental cancer is very treatable when detected early, despite the severity of later stages. This emphasizes the significance of being vigilant about dental health.

Oral cancer is caused by a variety of reasons, but lifestyle decisions are a major contributor. The single biggest contributing factor is still tobacco use, both smoked and smokeless. In a similar vein, chewing areca nuts (sometimes in combination with betel leaves) and drinking too much alcohol are known carcinogenic behaviors in many cultures. Infection with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), low nutritional condition, genetic susceptibility, prolonged exposure to UV light, especially in cases of lip cancer, and, most significantly, poor dental hygiene are additional contributing factors.

There are several different ways that poor oral hygiene increases the chance of developing oral cancer. The chronic inflammation is one of the main routes. Chronic inflammatory reactions in the oral tissues are caused by periodontal disorders including gingivitis and periodontitis, which are frequently brought on by inadequate dental hygiene. A milieu that is favorable to cellular mutations and carcinogenesis is produced by this ongoing inflammation. A varied microbial community is also present in the mouth cavity. Without proper dental care, harmful bacteria multiply and release toxins that can harm cellular DNA directly and aid in the development and spread of cancerous changes.

The delay in identifying precancerous alterations is a serious yet unappreciated effect of inadequate oral hygiene. People with poor oral hygiene frequently don’t have the self-awareness to identify abnormal lesions, ulcerations, or tissue abnormalities, which leads to diagnosis at later and less curable stages of the disease. Furthermore, using tobacco products or areca nuts increases the carcinogenic consequences of other risk factors including poor cleanliness. By serving as a reservoir for these chemicals, dental plaque increases the likelihood of malignant changes by extending the time that carcinogens come into touch with mucosal surfaces.

Therefore, preventive measures focused on upholding the highest standards of oral cleanliness are essential for avoiding periodontal illnesses and dental cavities as well as being a significant line of defense against oral cancer. Frequent use of fluoride-containing toothpaste and brushing and flossing, ideally twice a day, greatly lowers the bacterial load and plaque buildup. Using mouthwashes with antimicrobial properties also helps to reduce harmful microorganisms. Careful cleaning is necessary for denture wearers to avoid mucosal irritation, which can increase the risk of cancer. Frequent dental examinations, ideally every two years, allow for appropriate actions and professional evaluation for early indications of oral cancer.

Additionally, the incidence of oral cancer is significantly reduced by giving up high-risk activities including eating areca nuts, drinking alcohol, and using tobacco. The body’s capacity to fight oxidative stress and cellular damage is improved when these initiatives are supported by a diet high in antioxidants, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

In summary, oral hygiene has a crucial role in the larger context of cancer prevention, going well beyond aesthetic and fundamental dental health issues. Effective oral cancer prevention measures are based on a proactive approach that combines personal oral care, routine dental examinations, and avoiding recognized carcinogenic behaviours. An important first step in protecting not only dental health but also life itself is keeping the oral cavity clean, which is a reflection of one’s general health.

Remember: Your mouth is a mirror to your health—keep it clean, keep it safe.