DMFT Score associated with increased risk of Buccal Mucosa Cancer: Study

A new study published in JCO Global Oncology has revealed that higher DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) scores are significantly associated with an increased risk of buccal mucosa cancer (BMC), a common subtype of oral cancer. Conducted by researchers including Abhijit Das and colleagues, the study emphasizes the importance of oral hygiene markers—especially DMFT—as predictors of cancer risk. Drawing from a hospital-based case-control analysis involving 358 individuals in India, the researchers found that individuals with poor dental health, as measured by higher DMFT scores, had a markedly greater likelihood of developing buccal mucosa cancer. The findings suggest that DMFT scores should be prioritized in national oral health screening programs, not only as indicators of general dental health but also as part of preventive strategies against oral cancers (OCs). The study further reinforces the link between poor oral hygiene, chronic inflammation, and carcinogenesis in the oral cavity. This adds to the growing evidence that routine dental assessments may offer critical insight into broader health risks. The authors recommend that oral health programs integrate DMFT tracking with community-based cancer awareness and screening initiatives, particularly in populations with high tobacco and betel nut use. Incorporating dental assessments into public health policy may help with early detection and long-term cancer prevention, especially in low-resource settings.