THE RELATIONSHIP between cancer and oral health is one of the most important aspects of comprehensive healthcare.
Yet, this connection is often overlooked.
Oral health plays a significant role not only in the early detection of cancer but also in the quality of life and overall outcomes of patients undergoing cancer treatment. As more people survive cancer due to advances in early diagnosis and therapy, understanding the connection between cancer and oral care becomes increasingly critical.
The mouth is one of the first areas where signs of cancer—both oral and systemic—can appear.
Dentists are often the first healthcare professionals to notice abnormalities such as persistent ulcers, red or white patches, unexplained bleeding, or lumps in the mouth or neck. These may be early indicators of oral cancer, particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma, which is one of the most common cancers in the head and neck region.
Early detection is crucial: when oral cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, survival rates can reach 80–90%. However, many cases are discovered late due to a lack of awareness and routine dental visits. This underscores the essential role of regular dental checkups in cancer prevention and early intervention.
Cancer therapies—such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy—can have profound side effects on the mouth, teeth, and gums.
Radiation to the head and neck area, for example, often leads to xerostomia (dry mouth) due to damage to the salivary glands. This condition increases the risk of cavities, infections, and difficulty in chewing or swallowing.
Chemotherapy can also cause mucositis, a painful inflammation of the mouth’s lining, making eating and speaking difficult. Additionally, the immune suppression caused by cancer treatments increases vulnerability to oral infections, such as candidiasis (thrush).
Even bone health can be affected, as certain cancer medications may contribute to osteonecrosis of the jaw, a serious condition involving bone tissue death.
Because of these risks, pre-treatment dental evaluations are essential. Oncologists and dentists must collaborate to ensure the mouth is healthy before therapy begins, reducing the chance of complications that could interrupt cancer treatment.
Dentists, dental hygienists, and oral medicine specialists play a vital role in the multidisciplinary management of cancer patients. They can:
Identify early signs of oral or systemic cancer.
Provide preventive care to minimize treatment-related complications.
Manage symptoms like dry mouth, mucositis, and oral infections.
Educate patients on maintaining oral hygiene during and after cancer therapy.
Simple but consistent oral care—gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush, alcohol-free mouth rinses, and regular hydration—can greatly reduce discomfort and infection risks during treatment.
Tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are major risk factors for oral cancer. Preventive strategies such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, eating a balanced diet, and getting HPV vaccination can significantly reduce risk.
Cancer and oral health are deeply intertwined.
Oral health professionals are on the front lines of early detection and management of cancer-related complications, while good oral care can improve treatment tolerance and overall quality of life.
As awareness grows, the integration of dental care into cancer management should become a standard of holistic healthcare—helping patients not only survive cancer but also maintain their comfort, confidence, and well-being throughout their journey.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com/PN
