Gum disease and dental problems can lead to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is responsible for about 40 to 80 percent of all oropharyngeal cancers.
In a study, people who reported poor oral health were 56 percent more likely to become infected with HPV. People with gum disease were at a 51 percent higher risk, and those with general dental problems were about 28 percent more likely to contract the virus, an American Association for Cancer Research press release reported.
"Poor oral health is a new independent risk factor for oral HPV infection and, to our knowledge, this is the first study to examine this association," Thanh Cong Bui, Dr.P.H., postdoctoral research fellow in the School of Public Health at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Houston, said. "The good news is, this risk factor is modifiable - by maintaining good oral hygiene and good oral health, one can prevent HPV infection and subsequent HPV-related cancers."
There are two types of oral HPV: one causes cancer, and the other is only associated with benign tumors.
The researchers analyzed data from about 3,439 participants between the ages of 30 and 69.
The data included: "self-rating of overall oral health, presence of gum disease, use of mouthwash to treat dental problems within past seven days of the survey, and number of teeth lost. They examined data on age, gender, marital status, marijuana use, cigarette smoking, and oral sex habits, among others, which influence HPV infection."
A Higher risk of HPV was observed in males who smoked cigarettes or marijuana, and performed oral sex.
The virus enters the body through small cuts in teh mouth, which can be associated with poor oral hygiene.
"Although more research is needed to confirm the causal relationship between oral health and oral HPV infection, people may want to maintain good oral health for a variety of health benefits," Bui said. "Oral hygiene is fundamental for oral health, so good oral hygiene practices should become a personal habit."
Most oral HPV cases are asymptomatic, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Symptoms of oral cancer include: "coughing up blood, a lump on the neck or in the cheek, or hoarseness that doesn't go away."
Early symptoms include: "sore throat, a white or red patch on the tonsils, jaw pain or swelling, and numbness of the tongue, among others.
