Poor oral care cause cancer- health expert reveals

Not taking care of the teeth can lead to oral cancer, associate Professor and Chief Consultant Maxillofacial surgeon at the National Hospital, Abuja has warned.

He reportedly made this statement in an interview session.

The oral health expert who specializes in surgery of the face, mouth, and jaws noted that infections can hasten the spread of cancer round the body.

“When it comes to oral care, we know that infection generally is one of things that are responsible for cancers. We have quite a number of infections that go on; if the mouth is not well taken care of over a period of time it might lead to cancer in oral and facial region.

“This emerges from poor oral hygiene,’’ the consultant said.

In addition, Ononiwu called for the effective implementation of the National Oral Health Policy to address the burden of oral health in the country. He said it was important in the fight against cancer.

“This policy being formulated is very important. Government can push it and make it mandatory for people to see their oral health practitioners or dentists at least once in every six month,’’ he said.