Optimal Oral Health for Cancer Prevention

News Desk, News Nation 360 : Oral health is more than simply teeth and gums; it is a foundation of total wellness. Dentists and physicians alike see the mouth-body connection as critical to preventive care. Optimal oral health promotes overall health by lowering the risk of illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and even certain malignancies. It is also becoming more well recognised as a modifiable risk factor in cancer prevention. Maintaining good oral hygiene is increasingly recognised as a vital factor in cancer prevention and improving survival outcomes, especially for head and neck cancers. According to the AIIMS researchers, supported by findings from the INHANCE consortium, these normal practices reduce the risk of oral and head and neck cancers moderately by controlling chronic inflammation of the gums and early detection of warning signs like suspicious lesions or ulcers that do not heal. Poor oral hygiene is associated not only with oral cancers but also with cancers of the digestive tract, such as stomach and pancreatic cancers, and systemic effects that could increase the risks of lung and prostate cancers through chronic inflammation induced by pathogens in the oral cavity. Good oral health is imperative even for cancer patients to help minimise treatment complications, including mucositis and infection, ensure immune function, and systemic health. A simple habit of brushing teeth twice a day with ayurvedic pastes like Dabur Red Paste, flossing, and antibacterial mouthwash is a practical measures that maintain a low bacterial load and a balanced oral ecosystem. In addition, avoiding tobacco and excess alcohol, reducing foods high in sugar and acid, and regular dental checkups at least once a year offer further protection against oral malignancies, an important consideration given the heavy burden of such cancers in India. Oral hygiene has now become an essential part of standard oncology care and public health policy, offering systemic protection and long-term cancer prevention.

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