Poor oral health linked to increased risk of oral cancer

This month, we feature the article "A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Assessing the Role of Oral Health as a Risk Factor in Oral Cancer," which presents findings from a study evaluating the link between oral health and cancer risk.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a significant public health issue. The article identifies several factors that increase the risk of oral cancer:

• Tobacco use
• Betel nuts
• Alcohol consumption
• Sharp teeth
• Infections like HPV
• Periodontal disease

The study presented in the article evaluated oral health as a significant risk factor for OSCC through a systematic review and meta-analysis. It included populations across all age groups and genders, excluding individuals with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). Comparisons were made between individuals with and without oral health issues.

Researchers drew from multiple sources — including PubMed, Cochrane Database, Embase, Scopus and Google Scholar — and incorporated unpublished reports, reviews and grey literature. Case control studies were analyzed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for risk evaluation.

Key findings:

Poor oral health was found to significantly increase the risk of developing OSCC:

• Tooth loss: odds ratio (OR) = 1.13
• Poor oral hygiene: OR = 1.29
• Periodontal diseases: OR = 2.14

Among these, periodontal disease showed the strongest association; it more than doubled the risk of developing OSCC.
These findings highlight the role of oral health in cancer prevention and reinforce the importance of routine dental care and screenings. Prioritizing oral health can lead to earlier detection, better outcomes and reduced long-term costs.

Learn more:

PubMed: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Assessing the Role of Oral Health as a Risk Factor in Oral Cancer

Additional information about screening and prevention:

National Center for Biotechnology Information: PDQ Cancer Information Summaries

PubMed: Oral Cavity, Oropharyngeal, Hypopharyngeal, and Laryngeal Cancers Prevention (PDQ®): Health Professional Version

The information contained herein is for information and educational purposes only. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.