Written By: Prerna Mittra | Updated : March 20, 2025 4:12 PM IST
Medically Verified By: Dr Abhik Banerjee, zonal technical chief, east zone at Apollo Diagnostic Kolkata
World Oral Health Day: Why It's Important To Screen For Oral Cancer And Periodontal Disease (Photo: Freepik)
The importance of maintaining oral health: It is extremely important to pay attention to your oral health and hygiene, because it is as crucial as neurological, cardiovascular, or respiratory health. Doctors say that more than 70 per cent of oral cancer cases are a direct result of negligence towards oral health, which plays an important role in overall well-being. Many people fail to recognise the significance of regular screenings for oral cancers and periodontal diseases. The need of the hour, however, is to pay greater attention to oral health to ensure accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment of ailments including oral cancer and periodontal diseases. For this, government bodies must work with the general public to promote the concept of oral hygiene and understand the dreadful consequences of neglecting oral health. Read on to find out more.
According to Dr Abhik Banerjee, zonal technical chief, east zone at Apollo Diagnostic Kolkata, periodontitis is a severe gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth, causing tooth loss. "It happens because of untreated gingivitis leading to symptoms like swelling, bleeding gums, and even bone deterioration. Though periodontitis is a common occurrence, there is still no awareness regarding it," he states, adding that early detection through routine screening can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates.
Dr Banerjee warns that oral cancer can begin with symptoms of persistent sores, red or white patches, or unexplained lumps in the mouth. With early-stage screening, health experts can opt for various diagnostic tools, including X-rays, biopsies, and advanced fluorescence technology to look for abnormalities and initiate timely intervention, he says.
The doctor explains that screening for periodontal disease usually includes gum health evaluation and assessing bone loss through X-rays. Identifying the disease in its early stages can prevent complications such as bone deterioration and tooth loss, he adds.
"It is a known fact that tooth loss can take a toll on one's self-esteem and can be embarrassing. So, one must not hesitate or feel embarrassed to reach out to an expert," Dr Banerjee says.
For this, a doctor usually examines the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, and throat to look for ulcers, patches, sores, and swelling in and around the mouth. "Those at a higher risk -- such as tobacco users, heavy alcoholics, and those with a history of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection -- should undergo screenings to ensure early detection. Do not ignore your oral hygiene and seek timely help," the doctor advises.
This is what the doctor recommends:
