News and Views

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The importance of oral systemic health includes the link between cancer and oral health.

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | Posted in GEHA Connection Dental Network News

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The importance of oral systemic health includes the link between cancer and oral health.

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

• Tobacco
• Betel nuts
• Alcohol consumption
• Sharp teeth
• Infections (HPV)

The impact of oral health needs thorough understanding
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated oral health as a significant risk factor for OSCC. The study included populations of all age groups and genders, focusing on poor oral health — excluding oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). Comparisons were between patients with and without oral health issues.

Databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Database, Embase, Scopus and Google Scholar were utilized, incorporating unpublished reports, reviews and grey literature. Case control studies were analyzed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for risk assessment.

Results indicated that tooth loss, poor oral hygiene and periodontal diseases substantially increased the risk of developing OSCC:

• tooth loss odds ratio (OR) = 1.13
• oral hygiene OR = 1.29
• and in periodontal diseases OR = 2.14

The findings underscore the crucial role of oral health in OSCC, with periodontal diseases posing the highest risk (2.14 times the risk of developing OSCC). These insights advocate for prioritizing oral health in the primordial prevention of oral cancer.

SOURCE
A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis Assessing the Role of Oral Health as a Risk Factor in Oral Cancer | Cureus

For additional information about screening and prevention:

• Nasopharyngeal Cancers Screening (PDQ®): Health Professional Version | PDQ

• PDQ Screening and Prevention Editorial Board. Oral Cavity, Oropharyngeal, Hypopharyngeal, and Laryngealk Cancers Prevention | PDQ

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