Role of dental hardware in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma in the low-risk nonsmoker nondrinker population.

Abstract

Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising in nonsmokers and nondrinkers remains poorly characterized. We hypothesized that these patients had prior exposure to metallic dental hardware. We utilized a questionnaire querying the lifetime oral health status of 54 patients. Demographics and extensive oral health history were collected. The majority of patients (74%) had prior exposure to metallic dental hardware. The younger population with almost exclusively oral tongue cancer had a high prevalence of metallic orthodontic braces (40%) within 15 years before diagnosis. In the 51+ year age group, 82% had crowns, dental implants, and/or dentures with metallic elements. Exposure to metallic dental hardware has increased in the past few decades given the rise of orthodontic braces and older adults retaining more teeth. Although this study does not prove a causal relationship between oral cavity SCC and dental hardware, this is a step toward identifying and investigating their role.