Risk factors for oral cancer

 Both prospective and retrospective studies have consistently documented that pipe and cigar smokers experience mortality
rates for oral cancer either similar or higher than those risks observed among cigarette smokers . 

Risk factors for oral cancer:

Cigarettes:

Over 4000 chemical compounds are created by burning a cigarette – 69 of those chemicals are known to cause cancer. Carbon
monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen cyanides and ammonia are all present in cigarette smoke.

Cigars and Pipes:

Cigarette smoking is a major cause of cancers of the oral cavity in the United States . Individuals who smoke pipes or cigars
experience a risk for oral cancer higher to that of the cigarette smoker.

Smokeless Tobacco (Snuff and Chewing Tobacco):

For long- term users there was a 50-fold increased risk for cancer of the gum and buccal mucosa.Long term use of snuff
appears to be a factor in the development of cancers of the oral cavity, particularly cancers of the cheek and gum.there is
sufficient evidence that oral use of smokeless tobacco is carcinogenic to humans

Alcohol:

Most patients with oropharyngeal cancer drink alcohol. One study found rates as high as 94% in men (1) and 82% in women.
However, one problem with identifying alcohol as an independent risk factor for oral cancer is that heavy drinkers are
usually heavy smokers.All three forms of alcohol (beer, hard liquor, and wine) have been associated with oral cancer 

Mouthwash:

         There is some concern that mouthwashes might cause oral cancer because they have high alcohol content (as great as 26%) and are used frequently 

 Diet

     Low beta-carotene intake has been associated with an increased risk of lung, laryngeal, gastric, ovarian, breast, cervical, and oral cancers.
A low intake of vitamin C has been associated with an increased risk of cancers of the stomach, (56,57) esophagus, oral cavity, larynx, and cervix. Patients who ingest high levels of vitamin C
patients with low serum levels of vitamin E has greater risk for gastrointestinal cancer

Actinic Radiation:

                 Sunlight, through actinic radiation, helps to produce cancer along the vermilion border of the lip.Fair skin people are compartivly at greater risk than dark people with dark complexions.it appears that darker pigment Melanin 

protects against actinic radiation damage. (The wavelengths of the light thought to be responsible for the actinic damage are in the 2900-3200 ' range.) 

Dental Factors

improperly fitting dental prostheses
defective dental restorations
misaligned or sharp teeth
these are not regarded as initiater factors for oral cancer but these are considered as promoters.

Viruses

Cellular oncogenes, also known as proto-oncogenes and viruses interact with such gene and causes mutations. which is one of hallmark of neoplasia.
the viruses which are linked with oral cancers include:

Epstein-Barr virus
cytomegalovirus (CMV)CMV (72)
herpes viruses