Proper oral hygiene goes beyond having fresh breath and a beautiful smile. It is an essential part of your overall physical and mental health. Although many people know how important brushing and flossing are for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, there is a reason to prioritize oral hygiene. Proper oral hygiene can lower your risk of developing oral cancer. This blog explains the link between poor oral hygiene and oral cancer and discusses how neglecting your oral health can create conditions conducive to this severe disease.
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:
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.
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:
Poor oral hygiene allows bacteria and plaque to build up on the gums and teeth. This can:
Oral inflammation also creates conducive environments for tumors that promote and spread oral cancer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Common signs and symptoms of oral cancer include:
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:
The treatment for oral cancer varies based on the specific location, type, and stage at the initial diagnosis.
In the initial stages, surgeons typically remove the tumor and malignant lymph nodes. They may also remove adjacent tissue surrounding the neck and mouth.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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