12
Oct
Most people take their oral hygiene for granted, even though it should not be compromised in any way. Some individuals brush their teeth once a day, whereas others never do, let alone occasionally having regular checkups. Cavities, bad breath, and periodontal disease are all often linked to bad oral health. However, most individuals are unaware that bad oral hygiene can result in more serious dental problems, like oral cancer. This article discusses how bad oral hygiene can cause oral cancer.
What is Oral Cancer?
Cancer develops as a result of the uncontrolled development of cells, which invade and damage the body's surrounding tissue. Oral cancer can develop in several parts of the mouth, such as the cheeks, lips, mouth floor, tongue, throat, and sinuses. Cancer can manifest as a lump or pain that doesn't go away over time.
Oral cancer can be fatal if it is not detected and treated early. Oral cancer is one of several kinds of cancer that are classified under the umbrella of neck and head cancers. Similar to other cancers in this group, oral cancer is treated using nearly the same methods.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer symptoms can differ from person to person. However, the following are the most common symptoms of oral cancer:
- Lumps, rough spots, or swelling on the lips, gums, or other internal oral tissues
- Unusual white and red patches on the inside of the mouth
- Unusual oral bleeding
- Unusual pain, numbness, or soreness in any region of the face, neck, or mouth
- Sores on the face, mouth, or neck that are unknown and persistent. The cores bleed easily when touched and fail to recover within two weeks
- A persistent sense of discomfort or obstruction, as though something is blocking the throat
- Having trouble chewing, speaking, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue
- A change in voice, such as hoarseness, and an unexplainable sore throat
- A significant change in how your natural teeth or dentures fit together
- An unexplained loss of weight
If you're suffering from any unexpected dental symptoms, you should seek quick dental treatment.
Poor Oral Hygiene and Oral Cancer
The oral cavities serve as vital parts of the body. Human communication usually takes place in the oral area, which also serves as an entry point to the digestive and respiratory systems. Oral cancers can develop as a result of bad oral hygiene, which can also harm the structural integrity of the mouth cavity.
Several studies have shown a strong connection between oral cancer and poor dental health. For example, cancer of the mouth floor accounts for 50% of all cancer cases in India. However, oral cancer makes up only 5% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States. Excessive betel chewing is linked to India's high rate of mouth cancer diagnoses. There are cultural differences between India and the United States. Researchers also found that having poor oral health increased the likelihood of developing cancer by raising the risk of developing human HPV and human herpes.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) carried out research in India to investigate the effects of bad oral hygiene. Oral cancer risk was shown to be higher in those with poor dental health, according to the study. Individuals who had oral cancer and actively smoked tobacco were at the highest risk of developing the disease.
This study showed that practicing good oral health could significantly lower the risk of getting cancer of the oral cavity. According to the research conducted, maintaining good oral hygiene entails cleaning one's teeth using toothpaste multiple times every day. In addition to this, it requires the replacement of any teeth that have been lost and the maintenance of routine appointments with the dentist.
Additional Research on Oral Hygiene and Oral Cancer
Oral cancer represents 7% of all new occurrences of cancer worldwide, with over 270,000 new cases being diagnosed each month. This particular type of cancer is the fifth most prevalent in males and the seventh most prevalent in women. A study was carried out to determine the link between oral health, cleanliness, and oral cancer.
The study found that people who experienced frequent gingival bleeding during brushing had a greater risk of developing mouth cancer. People who admitted to not visiting the dentist frequently had a significantly higher risk of cancer than those who did.
The same study showed that individuals who brushed their teeth more than once a day had a lower chance of getting oral cancer than individuals who claimed they never brushed them at all. The findings of this study, which was carried out in Brazil, were comparable to those found in earlier investigations carried out in Germany and Poland.
All of the research found that those who went to the dentist regularly were more conscientious about their oral hygiene. Regularly visiting the dentist is a sign of good oral health. Consistent oral hygiene practices reduce the mucosa's exposure to several carcinogens.
Other Oral Health Risk Factors
Poor dental hygiene is not the only cause of oral cancer. Other risk factors can potentially cause the condition to manifest. Smoking is one of the most important risk factors. If you smoke, your risk of getting mouth cancer is six times higher than if you don't.
People who use smokeless tobacco have an even higher chance of getting mouth cancer. Dipping, chewing, or sniffing tobacco can all be considered smokeless tobacco use. This group of tobacco users has a likelihood of developing oral cancer on the cheeks, gums, and lips that is fifty times higher than average.
Excessive alcohol drinking puts people at a higher risk of acquiring mouth cancer than non-drinkers. Excessive sun exposure, especially at a young age, is another risk factor for developing lip cancer. Oral cancer may also result from a family history of the disease or the HPV virus. It is crucial to remember that twenty-five percent of all cases of oral cancer are seen in individuals who don't smoke and only occasionally drink.
The Consequences of Oral HPV
One of the main causes of oral cancer is the HPV virus, which could be present in the mouth. However, the association between HPV infection and poor oral health is not necessarily established. Other elements can lead to an increased risk of oral HPV infection and poor dental health. For instance, either smoking or having numerous oral sex partners can result in an HPV infection.
There are various reasons why it's critical to maintain good oral health. Having good oral hygiene is crucial for your overall well-being. For example, you might not quickly detect that the HPV virus has entered the mouth during oral intercourse. Oropharyngeal carcinoma is a kind of oral cancer that develops at the tongue's base. If the virus is allowed to remain in the body for an extended period, it can cause the infection to evolve into a more serious type.
An Increase in Oral Cancer Cases
Although oral cancer is an uncommon type of cancer, the number of cases linked to oral HPV infections is steadily rising. The reason there are more cases doesn't have a clear cause. Oropharyngeal cancer risks are higher when dental health is poor, even though drinking and smoking are the main risk factors for the development of HPV and mouth cancer.
An HPV infection is more likely to strike if your teeth and gums are unhealthy. The affected gum likely serves as an entryway through which the virus can reach the bloodstream. HPV is responsible for about three-quarters of all mouth cancer cases in the United States each year.
Treatment and Diagnosis of Oral Cancer
Early detection of oral cancer increases the likelihood of survival for five years by eighty-four percent However, the survival rate drops to 65% if cancer is diagnosed too late when it has already spread to surrounding tissues such as lymph nodes.
During a regular dental examination, your dentist can detect oral cancer. For example, a dental professional could check for the presence of lumps and abnormal tissues in the mouth. Alterations to the head, neck, face, or oral cavity could be issues that your dentist checks for. Your dentist can also keep an eye out for other symptoms like tissues that are discolored or mouth sores.
If the dentist notices an unsettling area in the oral cavity and wants to know what is causing the anomaly, they may perform a biopsy. Your dental professional is free to select the type of biopsy that is best for you from a variety available. Most dental professionals avoid brush biopsy since, even if it's simple, the dentist has to carry out a scalpel biopsy assuming the brush test results are positive.
There are several types of scalpel biopsies from which your dental professional can choose. Incisional and excisional biopsies are the two most frequently used. To diagnose the underlying issue, your dentist will have to either sample a tiny region or check a broader area. Your dentist could occasionally use a laser to perform a biopsy.
Oral cancer treatment is similar to treatment for other kinds of cancer. The cancerous lump could require surgery to be removed. It would also be essential to use radiation therapy or a medication treatment referred to as chemotherapy to eliminate any leftover cancerous cells in your body.
Oral Cancer Prevention
Understanding the major factors that cause oral cancer makes it simple to adopt the necessary measures to avoid the disease's emergence. You can reduce your risk of developing oral cancer by implementing some of the following measures:
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene can result in oral cancer. Therefore, maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most effective methods to prevent oral cancer. Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth will help you avoid the buildup of plaque or any other debris that could cause tooth decay. Any issues that arise with your teeth and gums need to be addressed as well. It is recommended to look for replacement teeth to cover the gap if you lose a single tooth or multiple teeth. Leaving gaps in your mouth can result in jawbone deterioration, which could ultimately harm your dental health.
Frequently Visiting the Dentist
Make sure you go to the dentist regularly. There are occasions when mouth sores and patches can be too tiny for you to notice. It's crucial to have routine dental checkups. Dental professionals can identify unusual bumps and patches early enough to stop them from spreading.
The American Cancer Society recommends that people over 20 get screened for cancer every 3 years. However, individuals over 40 years should get screened for cancer every year. Therefore, you could ask your dentist to carry out an oral checkup when you go to the dentist's clinic the next time. The likelihood of a cancer diagnosis being detected early improves the results of treatment.
Carry out Monthly Self-Oral Evaluation
A self-oral examination should be done at least once every month. If you want to do an oral examination, you'll need a mirror to look in and some good lighting. Feel the texture by touching the front part of the gums and the lips. Leaning your head back will allow you to see and feel the texture of the mouth's roof.
Examine the inner part of the cheeks for any strange or unusual patches. To check for swollen lymph nodes, you can gently touch each side of the neck. If you see or feel any strange changes, patches, or lumps in your oral cavity, call your physician right away.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Changing your lifestyle can be helpful in the prevention of oral cancer. Make sure you eat a balanced and nutritious diet. You should also refrain from using tobacco products or smoking. If you must drink, make sure to do so sparingly because drinking too much raises the chances of getting oral cancer. Make sure to restrict the amount of time spent in the sun since it can cause lip cancer. If you must spend time outside in the sun, use sunscreen and other suitable sun protection products.
Other Oral Hygiene Habits
It's not enough to simply brush your teeth multiple times every day to maintain good oral hygiene. If you fail to embrace the dentist's recommended practices, you could end up missing some parts. It's crucial to be aware of the optimal brushing method and to make sure you have access to the necessary equipment. When it comes to your teeth, here are a few things you should always keep in mind:
Using the Proper Brushing Technique
Brushing your teeth quickly isn't enough to get rid of food residue on the surface. You can follow the recommendations made by the American Dental Association regarding the proper technique to clean your teeth to have the best possible dental health. When cleaning your teeth, move the brush back and forth while angling it 45 degrees toward your gums.
Make sure that you clean the outer, inner, and top surfaces of your teeth using a toothbrush. Hold the toothbrush vertically when cleaning both the back and front parts of the teeth. The plaque often builds up in places that are challenging for a toothbrush to clean.
Give It Some Time
The American Dental Association recommends that you clean your teeth for at least two minutes. You ought to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Therefore, when you brush your teeth, don't rush and focus on getting a thorough clean.
Choose the Right Toothbrush
The type of toothbrush you choose will have a big impact on your level of oral hygiene. You ought to choose a toothbrush with the proper bristles and head. The toothbrush's bristles and head must be long enough to penetrate the crevices of the teeth, where plaque and food particles often accumulate. Consider purchasing brushes with tiny to medium-sized bristles and heads.
Use the Recommended Toothpaste
Use appropriate toothpaste to maximize the benefits of routine brushing. Choose fluoride-containing toothpaste since it is the key to good dental health. Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and coats your teeth with a protective coating. This does not imply that every fluoride-containing toothpaste is good, either.
It is recommended to check for toothpaste with the American Dental Association's mark of approval while making your selection. This seal suggests that the product complies with the necessary manufacturing standards. As a result, you can trust toothpaste, knowing that using it is harmless as well as effective.
Floss and Use Mouthwash
Be sure to use floss correctly so that you can clean in between your teeth. Flossing will aid in the removal of dirt that may have been left behind after brushing. Additionally, it is important to use mouthwash because it can get to places that toothbrushes and floss can't.
Find a Professional Whittier Dentist Near Me
Maintaining good oral hygiene can significantly lower the chance of getting oral cancer. It’s also recommended to visit a dentist for oral check-ups at least once every six months. The earlier the disease is detected, the less detrimental the consequences and side effects will be. Therefore, you should choose an experienced dental professional with whom you can work. Our dental professionals at The Whittier Dentist will examine your oral cavity and can identify any dental problems, such as oral cancer. Call us today at 562-632-1223 to speak with one of our dentists.
