Read article Possible risks for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer
This page is about possible risk factors for mouth and oropharyngeal cancers. There is information about
Possible risks for mouth and oropharyngeal cancer
This page is about some possible risk factors for mouth and oropharyngeal cancers. But there is not enough evidence for these to be thought of as definite risk factors. With further research, some may turn out not to be risk factors at all.
Irritation to the lining of the mouth
Some people have worried that long term irritation to the lining of the mouth can cause mouth cancer. For example, dentures that do not fit properly could cause irritation. But most research studies have not found a link. Even so, you should have dentures checked by your dentist at least once every 5 years.
Mouth cleanliness
Studies show that people who brush their teeth only once a day or less, and people who go to the dentist rarely, have a slightly increased risk of oral cancer
Mouthwash
Some studies have suggested that mouthwashes with high alcohol content could increase mouth cancer risk. But other studies found that this is not the case
Family history
There does seem to be a slightly higher risk of getting mouth cancer if you have a close relative with the disease
You can view and print the quick guides for all the pages in the About mouth cancer section.
We have included information on the factors below because we are sometimes asked about them. But we must stress that there is not enough evidence for these to be thought of as definite risk factors. With further research, some may turn out not to be risk factors at all.
Some people have worried that long term irritation to the lining of the mouth can cause mouth cancer. For example, dentures that do not fit properly could cause irritation. But most research studies have not found a link. Even so, you should have dentures checked by your dentist at least once every 5 years. It is also important to clean and rinse them twice a day and take them out at night. This helps to prevent substances known to cause mouth cancer, such as tobacco and alcohol, staying trapped under your dentures.
Studies show that people who brush their teeth only once a day or less, compared to two or more times a day, and people who go to the dentist rarely, have a slightly increased risk of oral cancer.
Some studies have suggested that mouthwashes with a high alcohol content could increase the risk of mouth cancer. But other studies have found that this is not the case. More studies are needed before we can say for sure that there is or is not a link between mouthwash and mouth cancer.
People often worry that they are at a higher risk of cancer because someone in their family has it. There does seem to be a slightly higher risk of getting mouth cancer if you have a close relative (a parent, brother, sister or child) with the disease.
You may have a lower risk of mouth cancer if you are overweight or obese (have a high body mass index). Why this happens is not clear.
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