World Oral Health Day is celebrated every year on March 20 to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral health. Oral health refers to the overall health of the mouth, including teeth, gums, and tongue. It is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent various dental problems such as cavities, gum diseases, and bad breath. Neglecting oral health can lead to severe health problems, including oral cancer. Additionally, poor oral health has been linked to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Therefore, taking care of our oral health is essential for our overall health and wellbeing.
In an exclusive interaction with the OnlyMyHealth editorial team, Dr. Amrita Gogia, Senior Consultant & Head - Dental Sciences, Dental Sciences, Medanta, Gurugram, explains if poor oral hygiene increases the incidence of oral cancer. Here is what she said to us.
Relation between poor oral hygiene and oral cancer
Oral cancer is a serious health condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. The development of oral cancer is often linked to poor oral hygiene practices. When oral hygiene gets neglected, harmful bacteria can accumulate in the mouth, leading to chronic inflammation and irritation. This inflammation can damage the cells in the mouth and increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
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Here are five ways in which poor oral hygiene can increase the incidence of oral cancer:
1. Increased Bacterial Growth
Poor oral hygiene can lead to an accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, which can cause chronic inflammation and irritation. This inflammation can damage the DNA of the cells in the mouth, leading to the development of oral cancer.
2. Weakened Immune System
Poor oral hygiene weakens the immune system, which is responsible for fighting off infections and preventing the growth of cancerous cells. When the immune system is weakened, it cannot effectively eliminate cancerous cells, leading to the development of oral cancer.
3. Poor Nutrition
People with poor oral hygiene tend to have a diet that is high in processed foods and low in fruits and vegetables. This can lead to a deficiency in essential nutrients, such as antioxidants, which are crucial in preventing the growth of cancerous cells.
4. Chronic Inflammation
Poor oral hygiene can lead to chronic inflammation in the mouth, which can damage the cells and tissues in the mouth. This inflammation can also increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
5. HPV Infection
Poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of contracting HPV, a virus that can cause oral cancer. HPV is transmitted through oral sex and can infect the cells in the mouth, leading to the development of cancer.
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Causes and symptoms of poor oral hygiene
Several factors can contribute to poor oral hygiene and oral cancer, including smoking, drinking alcohol, poor diet, and a weak immune system. Moreover, poor oral hygiene can also be caused by improper brushing and flossing techniques, infrequent dental check-ups, and not using mouthwash regularly.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to several symptoms, including bad breath, tooth decay, gum diseases, and tooth loss. Moreover, it can also cause various health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Preventions and cure
Fortunately, poor oral hygiene and oral cancer can easily be prevented by taking proper care of your teeth and gums. This includes brushing teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, using mouthwash, and visiting the dentist for regular check-ups. Additionally, it is advised to also quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and maintain a healthy diet to prevent oral cancer.
If anyone has poor oral hygiene, they should consult a dentist immediately to get proper treatment. The dentist may recommend a deep cleaning, antibiotics, or other treatments to restore oral health. In case of oral cancer, their doctor may recommend surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy to treat it.
Poor oral hygiene can increase the incidence of oral cancer, but it can be prevented by taking proper care of your teeth and gums. Therefore, it is essential to maintain good oral health and visit your dentist regularly to prevent various dental problems and other health issues.
