Dr. Sonia Datta Highlights Oral Health as Key to Cancer Prevention
Chennai: Oral health is emerging as a vital component in cancer prevention, according to Dr. Sonia Datta, MDS, PhD, Professor of Public Health Dentistry. Speaking on the growing recognition of the mouth-body connection, Dr. Datta emphasized that optimal oral hygiene not only supports dental well-being but also plays a critical role in reducing risks for systemic conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
“For individuals with compromised immunity, oral hygiene directly impacts quality of life,” she noted. “Simple habits like brushing twice daily with Ayurvedic pastes such as Dabur Red Paste, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash can significantly reduce bacterial load and maintain oral balance.”
Recent findings from AIIMS suggest that oral hygiene should be integrated into standard oncology care—not merely for comfort, but to improve survival outcomes. Supporting this view, the INHANCE consortium reported that consistent oral care practices, including annual dental visits and daily brushing, modestly lower the risk of head and neck cancers.
Dr. Datta stressed the importance of regular dental check-ups for early detection of oral cancer symptoms such as persistent ulcers, suspicious lesions, or changes in tissue texture. She also advocated for lifestyle modifications like avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol to further reduce cancer risk.
“In regions with high incidence of head and neck cancers, these preventive measures are not optional—they are essential,” she added.
