Take Control Of Your Life and Your Hygiene

There have been many studies on oral cancer. Some of these studies have explored the link between bad oral hygiene and oral cancer. Of course, it is important to maintain good oral health in any case, as this is linked to a number of different health conditions. Nevertheless, individuals will certainly be more compelled to see a dental hygienist or a dentist on a regular basis if it was going to lower their chances of oral cancer. But will it? Read on to discover more about the studies that have been conducted in this area.

What is oral cancer?

Before we delve into the studies that have been conducted, it is first important to establish what oral cancer is. A cancer cell is a cell that does not do what it is supposed to do. Therefore, oral cancer is when the cells in a person’s mouth become abnormal. As cells in the body can multiply and grow, these abnormal cancer cells start to grow and cell. This can cause damage to the surrounding tissues. Oral cancer tends to be broken down into three main areas: the tongue, inside the mouth, and the lips. However, it is not unheard of for cancer to be found in the Oropharynx, which is an area in the back part of the mouth, and also in the throat.

The link between bad oral hygiene and oral cancer

As mentioned earlier, there have been a number of studies that have been conducted into the link between oral cancer and bad oral hygiene. One of these studies was recently performed in India, with the National Center for Biotechnology Information putting the findings together in a report. The case study showed that there was a much higher risk factor for oral cancer for those with poor oral hygiene. The group at the highest risk were those who chewed tobacco and had bad oral hygiene. The case study stated that you can reduce the risk factor of oral cancer with a good oral hygiene routine. The study defined a good oral hygiene routine as having no or only a few missing teeth, regular dental check-ups, and brushing your teeth several times per day.

There was another case study that has carried out, which involved 60 patients in the maxillofacial units of two specialist hospitals in eastern Nigeria. The study was designed to discover whether poor oral hygiene resulting from inadequate or infrequent use of chewing sticks could be the sole cause of oral cancer. The conclusion was that, when there are no other carcinogens present, poor oral hygiene could be the single factor for oral cancer in these cases.

As you can see, there have been a number of studies that indicate that bad oral hygiene could be linked to oral cancer, and so it is really not worth the risk. Following a good oral health routine is a must. Dental services are critical in this.