Oral microbiome in Oral squamous cell carcinoma

The oral microbiome is a complex and diverse ecosystem that plays a key role in oral health. It consists of more than 700 species of bacteria, as well as fungi, viruses, and protozoa, which exist in a delicate balance. Disturbances in this balance, often caused by changes in lifestyle, diet, or hygiene, can lead to oral diseases such as periodontitis and dental caries. Recent studies have also suggested a possible link between the oral microbiome and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the most common type of oral cancer. Moreover, it is believed that persistent inflammation accounts for one out of every four cases of cancer. An essential task is to determine how this can be related to the aetiopathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma. There is currently strong evidence linking oral squamous cell carcinoma in particular to head and neck cancer, as well as chronic periodontal disease in general. There is a four-fold greater chance of developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma for every millimeter of lost alveolar bone. Understanding the intricate relationships between microbiome and host's cellular environment can help to improve clinical outcomes for patients with OSCC.

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Dr. Priyavardhini completed her MDS in Oral Medicine and Radiology. Her research interests include the oral microbiome in oral cancer and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Prof. John Baliah, MDS, Ph.D., is currently working on non-ionizing radiation and its health effects, the oral microbiome, and epigenetic and genetic changes in type 2 diabetes mellitus.