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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America· 2026Q2

Periodontitis and Oral Cancer Risk

Nika Mehrnia, Stephen Sonis

Short summary

Periodontitis may indirectly increase oral cancer risk and progression by promoting a chronic inflammatory state that leads to oxidative stress and DNA damage.

AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.

Key points

  • Periodontitis is linked to oral cancer risk and progression.
  • The association is likely indirect, mediated by chronic inflammation.
  • Chronic inflammation releases pro-inflammatory cytokines, causing oxidative stress and DNA damage.
  • Periodontal health can serve as a surrogate marker for general health and lifestyle factors influencing cancer risk.

AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.

Abstract

An association between periodontitis and oral cancer risk and progression has been suggested. It seems most likely that periodontitis plays an indirect role in oral cancer risk and progression in which its contribution to a chronic inflammatory state characterized by the persistent release of pro-inflammatory cytokines contributes to oxidative stress and DNA damage, potentially favoring carcinogenic processes. Periodontal health status of an individual may serve as a surrogate for general health as those factors which contribute to good general health, environment, lifestyle, and access to care are also determinants of oral health and impact cancer risk.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America, 2026 · DOI ↗

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Field: Periodontics

PeriodonticsDentistry