In a new study out, researchers have found that dental problems & gum disease can increase your risk of getting oral cancer. The study shows that poor oral health can lead to more than a 50% percent increase in the occurrence of oral HPV infection.
Prevention of the human papilloma virus infection and HPV related cancers can be as easy as maintaining a good oral hygiene routine and eating a healthy diet.
Fox Chase Cancer Center head & neck surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Liu says patients need to be advised that good oral habits are essential for a healthy body.
“Bad teeth are sources of infection and there’s some data to suggest that patients who have poor oral care are also at higher risk for oral cancer,” Dr. Liu said. “I think this study adds to that, that the risk of infection of HPV in the mouth is also elevated.”