Poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of developing oral cancer in several ways. Oral cancer develops in the mouth or throat, including the mouth’s lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and roof or floor. Oral cancer is when some cells in the mouth become abnormal and begin to grow and spread. These abnormal cells attack other healthy cells causing damage to the surrounding tissues.
Here are some ways that bad oral hygiene can lead to oral cancer:
- Bacterial growth: Poor oral hygiene can lead to an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, which can cause inflammation and infection. Chronic inflammation can damage the cells in the mouth and increase the risk of cancer.
- HPV infection: Poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of contracting human papillomavirus (HPV), is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause cancer.
- Tobacco and alcohol use: Poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of developing oral cancer in people who use tobacco or alcohol. These substances can damage the cells in the mouth and increase the risk of cancer.
- Chronic irritation: Poor oral hygiene can lead to chronic irritation in the mouth, increasing the risk of cancer. For example, ill-fitting dentures or rough surfaces in the mouth can cause irritation that can lead to cancer.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Poor oral hygiene can lead to nutrient deficiencies, weakening the immune system and increasing cancer risk.
The most common cancer symptoms are a sore that doesn’t heal or a lump that doesn’t go away. To reduce the risk of oral cancer, it is important to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding tobacco and alcohol use, and getting regular dental checkups.
Schedule an Appointment today
Regular dental check-ups can help prevent oral cancers. During your dental visit, our trained staff can explain how bad oral hygiene can lead to oral cancer and what steps you can take to begin a healthy oral hygiene routine. Appointments for spring are already filling up, so if you’d like to schedule a check-up, call our office at (248) 852-3130 to schedule one today. It’s always the right time to support their good dental health.