Investigating the Association Between Oral Hygiene and Oral Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

We aim to investigate the association between oral hygiene habits, including frequency of toothbrushing and regularity of dental check-ups, and oral cancer risk.

A systematic review and meta-analysis was developed following the PRISMA and the MOOSE guidelines. We searched electronic databases until 4th December 2024 (CRD42021242709).

A total of 15 studies were included. Overall, the results indicated that poor oral hygiene habits are potential risk factors for oral cancer. Compared to brushing once/day or more, toothbrushing < 1/day or never significantly increased the risk for oral cancer, with an OR of 1.85 (95% CI, 1.06-3.22). Toothbrushing < 2/day compared with ≥ 2/day also showed a positive association with oral cancer risk, with an OR of 1.32 (95% CI, 1.17-1.48). Irregular dental check-ups, defined as less than once a year or never, also significantly increased oral cancer risk (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.29-1.92).

Infrequent toothbrushing and irregular dental check-ups are risk factors for oral cancer. Toothbrushing twice or more daily and visiting a dentist once a year could be recommended to reduce oral cancer risk. The study reinforces the importance of good oral health as a preventive measure in the control of oral cancer.