Oral status, oral infections and some lifestyle factors as risk factors for oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma:: A population-based case-control study in southern Sweden

Conclusion. Our results show that average and poor oral hygiene and inadequate dental status are independent risk factors for oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma ( OOSCC), irrespective of tobacco and alcohol consumption. Objective. To evaluate a possible relationship between oral cancer, oral hygiene, dental status, oral mucosal lesions and some lifestyle factors in a population- based case- control study. Material and methods. Between September 2000 and January 2004, 132/ 165 ( 80%) of all incident cases of OOSCC and 320/ 396 ( 81%) of the intended eligible matched controls participated in the study. Cases and controls were subjected to an identical oral examination. A standardized protocol specially designed for the study was used. Results. After adjusting for tobacco and alcohol consumption, average oral hygiene ( OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.1 - 3.6) and poor oral hygiene ( OR 5.3; 95% CI 2.5 - 11.3) emerged as significant risk factors for OOSCC. More than 20 lost teeth ( OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.4 - 8.5), > 5 defective teeth ( OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.2 - 8.2) and poorly fitting or defective complete dentures ( OR 3.8; 95% CI 1.3 - 11.4) were significant risk factors. Regular dental check- ups were associated with a decreased risk of OOSCC ( OR 0.4; 95% CI 0.2 - 0.6).