Oral hygiene is not just about sparkling teeth — it plays a crucial role in overall health, including fighting cancer. A new study by the Oncology Department at AIIMS, Delhi, has revealed that maintaining good oral hygiene not only reduces the risk of diseases like heart problems, diabetes, Alzheimer and pregnancy complications but also helps in cancer prevention and recovery. The findings were recently published in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia.
According to the research, individuals with good oral hygiene habits — such as brushing regularly, visiting the dentist at least once a year, and proper dental care — are less likely to develop head and neck cancers.
Dr. Abhishek Shankar, the lead researcher, said the findings are supported by an analysis of 13 studies conducted under the INHANCE consortium. The data showed that individuals with good oral hygiene had a significantly lower risk of head and neck cancers. Additionally, periodontal diseases like pyorrhea were found to be associated with cancers of the digestive system, breast, prostate, lungs, uterus, and throat.
The study also highlights that cancer treatments like radiation therapy often disrupt the balance of healthy bacteria in the mouth, allowing harmful bacteria to thrive. This leads to complications such as oral ulcers, delayed bone recovery, and infections post-treatment. Therefore, maintaining oral hygiene becomes especially vital during and after cancer treatment.
According to the CHANCE study, people who had visited dental clinics at least 10 times in the last decade had a considerably lower risk of dying from cancer.
How to Maintain Good Oral Health?
The research team suggests early education is key. Teaching children proper brushing habits from a young age can have long-term benefits. Other recommendations include:
- Integrating oral health into primary healthcare services
- Developing low-cost, easy diagnostic tests such as the MMP-8 enzyme test using saliva, which can detect periodontal disease in its early stages
- Launching school-based brushing programs
- Raising awareness among teachers and parents
- Recognizing oral health as a priority in public health policy
Warning Signs of Oral Cancer
- Persistent mouth sores or lumps in the throat
- Red patches or rashes inside the mouth
- Difficulty in chewing or swallowing
- Voice changes
- Loose teeth
- Unexplained weight loss
This study underscores the importance of oral hygiene as a vital part of preventive healthcare. It’s not just about a clean smile — it’s about a healthier, longer life.
