Breast cancer and oral health: What you need to know
October is a special time of the year—it is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Over the years, I have seen family members and close friends discover they have developed this devasting disease—along with the psychological toll of processing what happens next, what life now looks like, and just how quickly one’s world can change in the blink of an eye. Anyone can get cancer, at any time; it is never planned.
The link between BRCA mutations and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)
Some have a higher risk than others due to genetics, but we all have genes in our bodies called BRCA1 and BRCA2, also known as the breast cancer genes. When these genes are mutated, meaning they don’t have sufficient DNA repair, they can become cancerous. If this is the case, the overall lifetime risk is greater than in the average individual. Genetic testing is available, especially if there is a strong family history or one has previously had cancer. Being a BRCA2 carrier myself, I wanted to learn everything I could about this new inheritance. Come to find out, there may be a potential link to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).1
Recognizing early signs and symptoms of oral cancer
OSCC originates in the epithelial tissue of the oral cavity. Even with advanced treatments, the mortality rate for OSCC still remains around 50% due to late diagnosis and resistance to conventional therapies. It forms in the epithelial tissue of the gingiva, tongue, buccal mucosa, palate, and oral floor.
OSCC has been ranked as the sixteenth most common cancer worldwide and is second most widespread due to the consumption of carcinogen-containing products. Unreliable biomarkers, exposure to the human papillomavirus, and excessive alcohol consumption have been known to increase the risk, especially when combined with tobacco use.2
Examine the mouth monthly for any changes to become aware of ulcers or sores that don’t heal. Also, look for white or red patches on the tongue, gums, lining of the mouth, and any unusual bleeding or numbness. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes. More advanced symptoms include a constant sore throat, changes in voice, difficulty swallowing, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, and weight loss.3
Diagnostic tools for detecting OSCC in the dental office
Some dental offices have special dyes and lights to look for abnormal areas.4 Much like breast cancer, diagnosis for OSCC typically involves a biopsy to assess the extent of the disease. Surgery is the most common treatment, especially in the early stages, and involves removing the tumor with clear margins to reduce the risk of recurrence.3 While research is still ongoing with this gene, it is good to be aware of the other potential links with oral health.
How periodontal disease increases breast cancer risk
Another significant link between oral health and breast cancer is inflammation. This happens when harmful oral bacteria enter the bloodstream and trigger a systemic inflammatory response, which in turn contributes to the growth and spread of cancer cells.5
A study conducted between April 2013 and June 2015 in Santa Monica, California, evaluated the association between periodontitis and breast cancer. This was a hospital-based study, which included 67 cases and 134 controls.1,2 Cases were selected among women diagnosed with breast cancer, and controls were matched with age and smoking status. Cases had significantly greater clinical attachment loss than controls. Women diagnosed with periodontitis had two to three times greater chance of having breast cancer than women without gum disease, depending on the level of periodontitis. The study concluded that there was a significant association between periodontitis and breast cancer.6
Preventive care strategies for dental hygienists and patients
Chronic gum inflammation can weaken the immune system and make it more difficult to detect and destroy cancer cells.7 Daily exercise, eating a whole food diet, and avoiding sugar as often as possible will help lower the risk of cancer. This does not mean one still could not get cancer due to genetics or damage to cells over a lifetime, but taking care of oneself will help lower the chances. Meditating and yoga are great resources to lower stress levels and inflammation in the body as well, which can lower the stress hormone, cortisol.
Breast cancer treatments can affect oral health not only by targeting cancer cells, but also by affecting healthy cells. One main symptom that could occur during chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapies is dry mouth, which can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease, along with mouth sores inside the cheeks, gums, or the tongue, and changes in taste affecting appetite and nutrition. Having a weakened immune system can cause thrush and affect gum disease.
It is critical to stay hydrated and avoid irritants like alcohol, tobacco, or acidic and spicy foods that could worsen mouth sores and dry mouth. Choosing soft, easy foods will also help. Rinsing with salt water can soothe mouth sores and reduce risk of infection. It can be helpful to run a humidifier at night for more moisture in the air while sleeping.8
The hygienist’s role in early detection and patient education
Having a yearly clinical examination by health-care providers is the first step in detecting not only breast cancer but also OSCC and the start of periodontal disease. It could help save a life. I remember learning in dental hygiene school that the mouth is the gateway to the entire body, and it affects overall health. Dentists can detect more than 120 medical conditions in the early stages.9 If we have patients with a high risk for malignancy, we must make sure we are educating them about the risks involved and the consequences of periodontitis and oral cancer.10 Practicing proper oral hygiene care with daily brushing and flossing is key; without this, germs can reach levels that can lead to infection and inflammation, causing other health issues.11 It is important to educate patients about living a healthy lifestyle with proper diet, exercise, stress management, and avoidance of tobacco and excessive alcohol. Practicing self-care will help overall well-being.
References
- BRCA gene changes: cancer risk and genetic testing. National Cancer Institute. Reviewed July 19, 2024. Accessed July 4, 2025.
- Gedeonov D, Bianchi C, Štembírek J, et al. BRCA1 and BRCA2 as prognostic markers in oral squamous cell carcinoma: a minireview. Front Oncol. 2025:15:1528822. doi:10.3389/fonc.2025.1528822
- Oral squamous cell carcinoma: causes and treatments. Medicover Hospitals. 2025.
- Can oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers be found early? American Cancer Society. Reviewed March 23, 2021.
- Boynton-Love S. The surprising connection between breast cancer and oral health. Love Dentistry. October 2, 2023.
- Sfreddo CS, Maier J, De David SC, Susin C, Moreira CHC. Periodontitis and breast cancer: a case-control study. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2017;45(6):545-551. doi:10.1111/cdoe.12318
- Breast cancer, poor oral health, and chronic gum inflammation: recognizing the connections. American Academy for Oral Systemic Health. 2025.
- Eberhardt K. Understanding the link between breast cancer and oral health. Eberhardt Dentistry. October 10, 2024.
- Saini R. Oral health links breast cancer. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2011;3(3):468. doi:10.4103/0975-7406.84473
- Kavarthapu A, Gurumoorthy K. Linking chronic periodontitis and oral cancer: a review. Oral Oncol. 2021;121:105375. doi:10.1016/j.oraloncology.2021.105375
- Oral health: a window to your overall health. Mayo Clinic. March 14, 2024.
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