0
0
New Delhi, July 15, 2025 — Maintaining good oral health could play a pivotal role in improving cancer survival rates, according to leading oncologists from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). In a recent commentary published in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia, Dr. Abhishek Shankar and Dr. Vaibhav Sahni emphasized that oral hygiene is not just a matter of dental wellness but also a significant factor in cancer care and survivorship.
The AIIMS researchers highlighted that the presence of certain pathogenic oral bacteria, including Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia, has been linked to higher cancer incidence and poorer survival outcomes. These bacteria, commonly found in individuals with poor oral hygiene, can negatively impact both overall and disease-free survival rates among cancer patients.
Citing global studies, the oncologists noted a clear association between routine dental visits and reduced cancer mortality, particularly in cases of head and neck cancers. Patients who regularly attended dental check-ups over a ten-year period were found to have better survival outcomes than those who did not.
Dr. Shankar, Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at AIIMS, stressed the importance of integrating oral health practices across all healthcare settings, not just at the primary care level. He advocated for public health initiatives such as school toothbrushing programmes and point-of-care mouthrinse testing for early detection of periodontal disease. These measures, he argued, could foster widespread behavioral change and benefit both the population and public health budgets.
The experts also recommended policy actions such as sensitizing teachers and families, providing free toothbrush and toothpaste samples, and introducing nutrition and sugar warning labels to help consumers make informed decisions. Dr. Sahni further called for restrictions on marketing sugar-laden foods to children, highlighting the need for region-specific studies to guide effective interventions in Southeast Asia.
Supporting these findings, a multinational study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that frequent dental visits and retaining more natural teeth were correlated with significantly higher survival rates among head and neck cancer patients. The study underscored that those with more than five dental visits in a decade had notably better five- and ten-year survival rates compared to those with none.
As oral cancer remains a major public health issue in India—accounting for a large proportion of head and neck cancers—experts continue to urge for early diagnosis and preventive strategies, especially targeting tobacco use and late-stage presentation.
“It is abundantly clear that oral healthcare plays a significant role in enhancing health-related outcomes, including those related to cancer survivorship,” the AIIMS researchers stated, underscoring the need for robust oral health initiatives at every level of care.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.
