Oral bacterial flora and oral cancer: The possible link?

Oral cancer exhibits multifactorial etiology with tobacco and alcohol long been implicated as the primary risk factors. In addition, betel nut, dietary factors and poor oral hygiene have also been found to have a role in the etiology of oral cancer. Past research has uncovered a great deal of information regarding the association of exogenous bacteria with cancer. However, our definitive knowledge of the oral commensal bacteria and oral cancer link remains inadequate. In the present article, we hypothesize a causal role for oral bacterial flora in oral cancer although an indirect one. We propose that the normal bacterial flora in conjunction with the already established risk factors such as alcohol consumption may play a role in cancer development. The continued exploration of this topic may aid in better understanding of the pathogenesis of oral cancer thereby helping in appropriate treatment and better prognosis.