Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
10:42
Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
Published on: December 31, 2017
18.0K
Investigating the Association Between Oral Hygiene and Oral Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Lorena C Mariano1, Saman Warnakulasuriya2, Beatrice Lauby-Secretan3
1UNIPRO, Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS-CESPU), Gandra, Portugal.
Oral Diseases
|March 17, 2026
Summary
Poor oral hygiene, including infrequent toothbrushing and infrequent dental check-ups, significantly increases oral cancer risk. Brushing twice daily and annual dental visits may help reduce this risk.
Area of Science:
- Oral Health Research
- Oncology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Oral hygiene practices are crucial for overall health.
- The link between oral hygiene and oral cancer risk requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between toothbrushing frequency, dental check-up regularity, and oral cancer risk.
- To synthesize existing evidence through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis adhering to PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines.
- Comprehensive search of electronic databases until December 4, 2024.
- Inclusion of 15 relevant studies.
Main Results:
- Poor oral hygiene habits are identified as potential risk factors for oral cancer.
- Infrequent toothbrushing (less than once daily or never) significantly increased oral cancer risk (OR, 1.85).
- Less frequent toothbrushing (less than twice daily) and irregular dental check-ups (less than annually) were also associated with increased oral cancer risk.
Conclusions:
- Infrequent toothbrushing and irregular dental check-ups are confirmed risk factors for oral cancer.
- Recommendations include brushing teeth twice or more daily and annual dental visits to mitigate oral cancer risk.
- This study underscores the importance of maintaining good oral health for oral cancer prevention.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Oral Cavity
3.8K
The oral cavity, or the mouth, is a complex structure in humans that plays a vital role in our day-to-day lives. Its role is not only in chewing and swallowing food; it also plays a role in speech and facial expressions.
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
3.8K
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
1.6K
A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
1.6K
01:27The Oral Microbiota
97
The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...
97