Health experts are urging renewed attention to daily oral hygiene practices as oral cancer cases continue to rise across the United States, with evidence suggesting that consistent dental care may help reduce risk factors and improve early detection outcomes.
According to estimates from the American Cancer Society, around 60,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. The disease, which can affect the tongue, gums, tonsils, mouth, and throat, has shown a steady increase over the past two decades, raising growing concern among dental and medical professionals.
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While oral cancer cannot always be prevented, specialists emphasize that strong oral hygiene habits may play an important role in lowering associated risks. “Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is one of the best preventive steps people can take,” said Lilya Horowitz, D.D.S., AAACD, who highlighted twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and routine dental visits as essential practices.
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Dental experts explain that these habits help control plaque buildup, reduce inflammation, and limit the progression of gum disease, all of which have been linked to long-term damage to oral tissues. “When harmful bacteria and plaque accumulate, they create chronic inflammation that can damage oral tissues over time,” said Roumiana Tzvetkova, D.D.S., D.M.D. “Reducing that buildup helps maintain a healthier oral environment and may lower the risk of serious conditions, including oral cancer.”
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Untreated gum disease can advance into periodontitis, a severe infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Research indicates that bacteria associated with periodontal disease may contribute to inflammatory responses and DNA damage, both of which are factors linked to oral cancer development.
Experts also point to the role of the oral microbiome—the complex community of bacteria in the mouth—as a key component of oral health. “The mouth is a living ecosystem,” said Arthur Glosman, D.D.S. “When harmful bacteria dominate, chronic inflammation can make it easier for abnormal cells to develop.”
Flossing is considered particularly important because toothbrushes cannot effectively clean between teeth, where plaque often accumulates. Studies suggest that regular flossing may help maintain a healthier balance in the oral microbiome and support gum health.
Routine dental checkups remain critical for both prevention and early detection. During examinations, dentists evaluate not only teeth but also soft tissues in the mouth, looking for early warning signs such as sores, lumps, or discoloration that could indicate oral cancer. “I am not just looking at teeth,” Glosman noted. “During every exam, I carefully evaluate all of the soft tissues in the mouth.”
The American Dental Association recommends that most adults visit a dentist once or twice per year, though individuals with higher risk factors may require more frequent care. Alongside oral hygiene, experts also recommend broader preventive measures, including avoiding tobacco products such as vaping, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, protecting lips from ultraviolet exposure, and receiving the HPV vaccine when eligible.
Although no single measure can fully prevent oral cancer, health professionals stress that combining consistent oral hygiene with healthy lifestyle choices may significantly reduce risk while improving the likelihood of early detection and successful treatment.
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