Poor oral health associated with a type of Head and Neck Cancer

Oral cancer, most commonly squamous cell carcinoma, is associated with a history of smoking and alcohol use. According to a new study report by Oncology Nurse Advisor, poor oral health is associated with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. As opposed to oral squamous cell carcinoma, oropharyngeal (involving the throat) is often associated with HPV. The new study was recently published in the journal Cancer.

The results of the study showed that routine dental examinations were associated with a 48% reduced risk of HPV-negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and a 45% reduced risk of HPV-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. 

The study researchers found that the prevalence of periodontal disease increased the risk of HPV-negative oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma by 70% and HPV-positive disease by 45%. 

Further investigation is necessary, but periodontal disease is increasingly found to be involved with many systemic diseases.