Can Bad Oral Hygiene Lead to Oral Cancer?

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer develops in the oral cavity and belongs to a broader category of head and neck cancers. It can occur in the following parts of the mouth:

• The Lips
• Gums
• Your cheek lining
• The roof and floor of the mouth

Oral cancer can manifest as white patches or bleeding sores on the lips or inside the mouth. The main difference between a harmless or oral problem and potential oral cancer is that cancer symptoms persist and do not resolve on their own.

In the United States, over 53,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer annually. It mostly affects people over 40 and twice as many men as women. Unfortunately, oral cancers are mostly discovered after they have spread to the neck lymph nodes. Early detection of oral cancer is important to treating it.

Understanding the Link Between Poor Oral Hygiene and Increased Risk of Oral Cancer

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a malignant tumor that can occur anywhere in the oral cavity, is mainly caused by tobacco and alcohol consumption. However, other factors like poor nutrition and poor oral hygiene may also contribute to the development of oral cancer.

Here is how neglecting your dental hygiene increases your risk of oral cancer:

It Causes Chronic Inflammation in the Oral Cavity

Poor oral hygiene allows bacteria and plaque to build up on the gums and teeth. This can:

• Cause inflammation
• Weaken the body’s immune response
• Damage healthy cells

Oral inflammation also creates conducive environments for tumors that promote and spread oral cancer.

Leads to Elevated Susceptibility to Infections

Poor oral hygiene allows harmful bacteria to thrive in the mouth, causing infections in the teeth, gums, and throat. While the immune system usually combats these infections, a weakened immune system or using alcohol or tobacco products can affect its effectiveness.

Changes in Cellular Growth

Infections caused by poor oral hygiene can disrupt cell development in the throat and mouth, promoting cancerous cell growth. Maintaining good dental health reduces the risk of healthy cells undergoing carcinogenic mutations.

Promotes the Growth of Bacteria

The buildup of bacteria and plaque in the mouth promotes the growth of harmful microorganisms. Some bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, have been linked to the development of oral cancer.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection

Inadequate oral hygiene can increase the likelihood of acquiring HPV, a sexually transmitted virus, through mouth-to-mouth contact or oral sex. HPV can infect the throat and mouth and cause oropharynx cancer.

People with the virus rarely show symptoms and can easily spread it without knowing it.  HPV has over 100 strains, and 40 of them can affect the throat and mouth, potentially leading to oropharyngeal cancer. HPV is also believed to cause approximately 60 to 70 percent of oropharyngeal cancers in the U.S.

What are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer can have signs and symptoms that people might mistake for minor issues or changes in the mouth. For example, you may notice red or white patches inside your mouth or persistent pain that will not go away. These patches could indicate pre-cancerous symptoms. The following conditions can manifest as patches in both your mouth and throat, each showing different colors:

• Erythroleukoplakia— painless lesions that could become cancerous, characterized by white and red patches
• Leukoplakia— flat gray or white patches in the mouth or throat. This condition increases the risk of cancer
• Erythroplakia— flat or slightly raised red patches. These patches can bleed when scratched. This condition can be either noncancerous or cancerous

Common signs and symptoms of oral cancer include:

• Sores on the lip or in the mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within two weeks
• Patches or lesions on your gums, lips, or inside your mouth
• Unexplained bleeding in any area of your mouth
• Unexplained pain, numbness, or tenderness in the face, neck, or mouth
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Ear pain
• Persistent bad breath
• Lumps in the mouth or on your lip

Diagnosing Oral Cancer

Dentists often catch oral cancer during routine checkups. They can perform additional preliminary examinations or refer patients to a maxillofacial and oral surgeon or a head and neck surgeon. These specialists, also known as otolaryngologists, study and treat disorders of the ears, nose, and throat.

Below are tests that can be performed to diagnose oral cancer:

1. Physical examinations—your dentist will thoroughly inspect your mouth’s interior and may palpate surrounding areas. They will also assess your head, face, and neck for possible signs of early-stage cancer
2. Brush biopsy (exfoliative cytology or scrape biopsy)—healthcare professionals gently scrape the specific area to collect cells for cancer examination
3. Incisional biopsy—your medical professional will extract small tissue samples to examine the cells for signs of cancer
4. Indirect pharyngoscopy and laryngoscopy—which involve using a tiny mirror with a slender handle to examine the throat thoroughly, the base of the tongue, and a portion of the larynx or voice box
5. Direct (flexible) laryngoscopy and pharyngoscopy—involve using an endoscope to examine regions of the mouth and throat that are not visible with mirrors. An endoscope is a slender, pliable tube with an illuminating source and an optical lens for visual examination

What are the Treatment Options for Oral Cancer?

The treatment for oral cancer varies based on the specific location, type, and stage at the initial diagnosis.

Surgery

In the initial stages, surgeons typically remove the tumor and malignant lymph nodes. They may also remove adjacent tissue surrounding the neck and mouth.

Radiotherapy

Another alternative is radiation therapy. This procedure involves a physician directing radiation beams at the tumor at least once daily, five consecutive days each week, for two to eight weeks. Typically, treatment for advanced stages combines radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a treatment procedure that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. Doctors administer the medication either orally or intravenously. Most patients receive chemotherapy as outpatients, though some may require hospitalization.

Targeted Therapy

This is an effective alternative treatment option. It shows efficacy in both early and advanced cancer stages. Targeted therapy drugs selectively bind to specific proteins in cancer cells, impeding their growth.

Nutrition

Dietary intake is crucial for your oral cancer treatment. Several treatments can cause challenges and discomfort when eating and swallowing, reducing appetite and weight loss. You can discuss your dietary habits with your doctor. A nutritionist can help develop a gentle diet for your mouth and throat that will continue providing the necessary vitamins, calories, and minerals for healing.

Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene

Proper oral health is essential during cancer treatments. You can maintain it by keeping your mouth moist and preserving the health of your teeth and gums.

Preventing Oral Cancer

Once you understand the primary factors contributing to oral cancer, adopting essential measures to prevent the disease becomes easy. Several ways to prevent oral cancer include:

Stop Using Tobacco or Do Not Start

Quit smoking or chewing tobacco if you currently use it. If you do not use tobacco, do not start. Tobacco use exposes the cells in your mouth to dangerous cancer-causing substances.

Consume Alcoholic Beverages In Moderation or, Preferably, Avoid Them Altogether

Prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption can irritate mouth cells, making them susceptible to oral cancer. If you choose to drink, you should do so in moderation. Healthy women of any age and men 65 or older should also limit their intake of alcoholic beverages to one drink per day. Men under 65 should limit their alcohol intake to a maximum of two drinks per day.

Maintain Good Dental Hygiene

If you fail to take care of your teeth and gums, you could be at risk of developing oral cancer. Keeping up with your daily dental routine is important—brushing and flossing regularly helps keep plaque and debris at bay, protecting your teeth from decay.

If you notice any signs of gingivitis or other oral health issues, seeing your dentist is a good idea. And if you lose any teeth, think about getting replacements. Missing teeth can lead to issues with your jawbone, which can affect your overall oral health.

Regular Dental Check-ups

Schedule regular appointments with your dentist. Sometimes, spots and sores in your mouth may be too small to notice. Regular dental exams are crucial. Your dentist can spot abnormal sores and lumps early, preventing their progression. At your next dental visit, ask for an oral examination. Early cancer detection increases the chances of successful treatment.

Perform Self-Examinations Each Month

Conduct a self-oral examination at least once a month. You’ll need a mirror and bright light. Press your lips against your front gums to feel the texture. Tilt your head back to visually and tactually examine your palate. Check the inside of your cheeks for unusual patches. Also, feel both sides of your neck for enlarged lymph nodes. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any sudden changes or abnormal growths in your mouth.

Additional Tips for Good Oral Hygiene

Just brushing your teeth regularly is not always enough to keep your mouth as healthy. You might still miss spots if you are not using the right techniques and tools. To take good care of your teeth and gums, knowing the best way to brush and have everything you need is important. Here are some tips that can help you maintain your oral health:

Set Reminders to Brush Your Teeth

Set reminders on your phone to brush your teeth twice a day. Brushing in the morning helps freshen your breath and eliminate the bacteria. Brushing again before bed makes sure your mouth is clean as you sleep.

Ask your dentist for guidance on proper brushing techniques, even if you know how. People often develop bad habits over time. A dental refresher ensures you maintain effective oral hygiene every time you brush.

Using the Proper Brushing Method

Simply brushing your teeth to remove food particles is not sufficient. According to the American Dental Association, it is important to use the correct technique. They suggest holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and brushing with a gentle back-and-forth motion.

Brush all tooth surfaces, including the outer, inner, and chewing areas. For back and front teeth, hold the toothbrush vertically. Plaque builds up in hard-to-reach areas that are difficult to clean with a toothbrush.

Choose the Right Brush

Your toothbrush choice greatly influences your oral hygiene. Select a brush with the correct head and bristles. The head and bristles should be small enough to access narrow spaces between teeth, where food debris and plaque often accumulate. Opt for brushes with compact heads and medium-sized bristles.

Select the Right Toothpaste

Use the appropriate toothpaste to maximize the benefits of regular brushing. Choose one containing fluoride, which is crucial for good oral health. Fluoride fights cavities and forms a protective coating on teeth. However, not all fluoride toothpaste is good.

When choosing your toothpaste, choose a product with the American Dental Association’s seal of acceptance. This seal means that the product satisfies the manufacturing standards and is safe and effective.

Use Mouthwash And Floss

Floss correctly to clean your teeth effectively. Flossing removes leftover debris after brushing. Also, use mouthwash to reach areas that floss and toothbrushes can’t access.

Contact an Experienced Dentist Near Me

Oral cancer can severely affect you if left untreated. Fortunately, skilled dental professionals can detect and diagnose oral cancer early.

At Dr Joseph Goodman, our experienced team is available to help you. We can educate you about how poor oral hygiene leads to oral cancer and help you establish a solid oral care routine. Maintaining good oral health can reduce your risk of oral cancer. Contact us today at 310-860-9311 to schedule an appointment.