Periodontitis and oral Cancer-A striking link

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has become a major public health problem in the worldwide for its increasing incidence and mortality, especially in younger trends. Risk factors for OSCC apart from alcohol and tobacco use, include poor oral hygiene, inflammation caused by inadequately fitting dentures and other rough teeth surfaces, poor nutrition and some chronic infections caused by fungi, bacteria or viruses. Several studies have also found that the risk of developing OSCC may increase with periodontal disease (PD). In addition to reduce harm caused by tobacco, alcohol and betel quid it seems prudent to take measures to improve oral hygiene in periodontally compromised patients to minimize OSCC risks. This further intensifies the need for oral health education programs and large cohurt studies to edify individuals about the importance of regular oral health maintenance and routine dental care towards the prevention of oral diseases including OSCC.