Primary prevention of mouth carcinoma and oral precancerous conditions

Abstract

Epidemiologic data for the prevalence of oral cancer show marked geographic differences. The incidence of oral cancer in younger individuals seems to be on the increase. Prevalence of oral leukoplakia in German men is 2.3%, in women 0.9%. Risk factors for oral cancer and most variants of oral leukoplakia are identical. Etiologically, tobacco and alcohol are the most important factors. Tobacco in smoked, chewed or snuffed varieties has toxic, tumorigenic and carcinogenic properties. Consumption of tobacco has markedly increased during the last 15 years in some geographic areas. In Germany tobacco consumption has increased 7.5% during the last 4 years. Alcohol affects the permeability of oral mucosa. Oral cancer as well as most forms of oral leukoplakia are avoidable diseases. Strategies for prevention encompass primary, secondary and tertiary prevention. Primary prevention focuses on principal avoidance of tobacco. Anti-tobacco counselling and therapy is actively practiced in dental practices in some countries. Intervention includes the 4 A's as principles (ask, advise, assist, arrange) and is based on nicotine replacement therapy. General dental practice and hospital dentistry should introduce the principles of primary prevention of tobacco consumption. A questionnaire which was sent to EU countries indicated that dental teams are willing to introduce tobacco and alcohol counselling and relevant prevention strategies.