When people talk about the causes of oral cancer, they usually mean tobacco abuse, alcohol abuse, and human papillomavirus infections. However, there is also another less obvious but frequent trigger for the development of this disease. The poor state of oral hygiene, although it does not directly affect the genetic structure of cells, is a factor in the development of oral cancer.

Why Poor Hygiene May Cause Cancer

There are several reasons why the lack of oral care, leading to the formation of periodontitis, is a factor in the development of oral cancer.

Periodontitis

This disease occurs as a result of improper oral hygiene and results from the accumulation of plaque on the teeth and the formation of calculus. Gum tissue becomes inflamed, which leads to the frequent renewal of the epithelium. Consequently, the number of malignant cell mutations increases.

The presence of rough or shifting dentures allows fragments of broken teeth or damaging dental structures to irritate the oral mucosa. The formation of ulcers occurs as a result of constant irritation of the tongue and other parts of the oral mucosa. Chronic irritation cannot be ignored, as the possibility of malignancy cannot be ruled out; therefore, mouth ulcers are also a factor in the development of oral cancer.

Alcohol Abuse, Smoking, Tobacco Use

Poor oral hygiene combined with alcohol abuse, smoking, or tobacco use damages the oral cavity. The frequent micro-injuries that occur as a result of the interaction of rough dentures with the oral mucosa create favourable conditions for the development of oral cancer. The damage to the oral mucosa is especially dangerous when combined with the consumption of hot alcoholic beverages since alcohol intake dehydrates the oral cavity. The action of carcinogens contained in alcohol on the mucosa becomes more intense due to the damaged state of the oral mucosa. Therefore, alcohol abuse is a factor in oral cancer.

The Contribution of the Microflora

With poor oral hygiene, the microflora in the oral cavity may undergo significant changes. In particular, the environment in the mouth becomes favourable for the proliferation of various pathogens, among which are many anaerobic bacteria. The toxins of these bacteria are particularly dangerous because they affect the human body, causing periodontitis. Moreover, some of these pathogens interfere with the normal functioning of the body by producing acetaldehyde, which is a powerful carcinogen.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer and What to Do if You Have Them

The main goal in the fight against cancer is to detect the disease at an early stage when it can be fought with relatively simple methods. In particular, oral cancer is no exception to this rule. Fortunately, this disease has some symptoms that indicate its occurrence. Nevertheless, in most cases, oral cancer does not manifest itself for a long time, which makes it difficult to detect.

Most often, the first sign of oral cancer is the appearance of wounds or ulcers in the oral cavity that do not heal for a long time. Although they may be caused by external factors, in such cases, it is necessary to contact a dentist to examine the oral cavity for suspicious growths. Other signs that require an immediate examination by a specialist are the appearance of red spots on the tongue and lips. Various oral ulcers that are accompanied by bleeding, swelling, or pain are also dangerous signals.

Difficulties in chewing food, speech, or opening the mouth indicate the presence of malignant tumours; therefore, a visit to a dentist is necessary. Moreover, a feeling of a foreign body in the throat, the impossibility of fully opening the mouth, and the appearance of lumps or swelling in the oral cavity are also alarming signs that require a thorough examination. In addition, changes in the shape and size of the tongue or the appearance of any other discomfort when it moves are also an occasion to visit a dentist. Finally, the appearance of new sores that do not go away on their own for a long time is another reason to visit a dentist.

Prevention of Oral Cancer at the Apulki Medical Center

Preventive measures are the best way to fight cancer. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to prevent oral cancer. First of all, to keep the oral cavity healthy, it is necessary to take measures both at home and with a dentist. In particular, brushing your teeth twice a day and using special oral care products, such as dental floss, will greatly reduce the risk of developing oral cancer. It is also necessary to take measures to eliminate the negative effects of smoking and alcohol, which may interact with liver cancer drugs. Finally, regular hygienic cleaning of the teeth and the use of special anti-cavity toothpastes will also help prevent the disease.

It is also necessary to strengthen the immune system with a proper vitamin-rich diet and eat as healthy as possible. Giving up bad habits such as smoking will help get rid of many diseases, including oral cancer. Finally, regular dental check-ups will help detect any problems in time. In most cases, it is possible to prevent oral cancer with a strong immune system and good oral hygiene.

Conclusion

It is necessary to properly care for the oral cavity to prevent oral cancer. Although poor oral hygiene is not directly manifested by changes in the genetic structure of cells, there are several indirect ways by which it provokes the development of this disease. In particular, periodontitis resulting from improper oral hygiene, as well as oral injury resulting from rough dentures, are factors in oral cancer. Moreover, poor oral hygiene can lead to changes in microflora and the development of pathogenic bacteria that affect the oral cavity.