Abstract
Background: Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising in nonsmokers and nondrinkers remains poorly characterized. We hypothesized that these patients had prior exposure to metallic dental hardware. Methods: We utilized a questionnaire querying the lifetime oral health status of 54 patients. Demographics and extensive oral health history were collected. Results: The majority of patients (74%) had prior exposure to metallic dental hardware. The younger population with almost exclusively oral tongue cancer had a high prevalence of metallic orthodontic braces (40%) within 15 years before diagnosis. In the 51+ year age group, 82% had crowns, dental implants, and/or dentures with metallic elements. Conclusion: Exposure to metallic dental hardware has increased in the past few decades given the rise of orthodontic braces and older adults retaining more teeth. Although this study does not prove a causal relationship between oral cavity SCC and dental hardware, this is a step toward identifying and investigating their role.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 784-792 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Head and Neck |
Volume | 40 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2018 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- dental care
- head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
- oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC)
- oral health
- risk factors
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Otorhinolaryngology