Scientists have analysed data from 3,439 persons registered in “The National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention” from 2009-2010. The study subjects aged 30 and 69 years were chosen based on presence or absence of low-risk HPV virus and high-risk HPV virus as well as data regarding mouth- and dental state. Factors which might affect the HPV infection such as gender, age, marital status, and habits regarding oral sex, marihuana and smoking were also analysed in the study.
Results can be used in the prevention of cancer
The results from the study showed that the risk of getting HPV is 56 % larger for people with poor oral hygiene compared to people with good oral hygiene. In addition, the study showed that men who smoke cigarettes or marihuana and have oral sex on a regular basis are at greater risk of contracting HPV virus.
Scientist Thanh Cong Bui from The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston says that the study is the first of its kind. The results suggest that there is a direct association between poor oral hygiene and an increased risk of HPV infections, and this knowledge can be used to prevent the development of throat cancer. “The good news is, this risk factor is modifiable -- by maintaining good oral hygiene and good oral health, one can prevent HPV infection and subsequent HPV-related cancers," says Thanh Cong Bui.
Need for further research
The authors of the study point out that an HPV infection requires an entry portal - for instance a wound in the oral mucosa – to infect the body. Poor oral health increases the risk of ulcers in the mouth and on the lips and causes chronic inflammation and gum disease: All of them factors which may create an entry portal for viruses.
Because the study is the first of its kind, further research is needed to gain a bigger understanding of the correlation and to verify the results. "Although more research is needed to confirm the causal relationship between oral health and oral HPV infection, people may want to maintain good oral health for a variety of health benefits," says Bui. He emphasises that good oral hygiene is fundamental for our overall health and that everyone should take good care of their oral health.
Good oral hygiene
HPV infections and throat cancer can be prevented by maintaining a healthy oral- and dental state. Here are some tips to ensure good oral hygiene:
- Brush your teeth for at least two minutes at least twice a day
- Choose a soft toothbrush or an electric toothbrush
- Keep your toothbrush clean; rinse with water after each use
- Remember to brush all surfaces of the teeth (outside, inside and chewing surface) and the tongue
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months
- Eat a healthy and varied diet and let your teeth rest for at least three hours after each meal
- Chew sugar-free gum containing fluoride after each meal
