The Interplay of Oral Microbiome, Chronic Inflammation, and Periodontitis in Oral Carcinogenesis

Chronic inflammation plays a pivotal role in carcinogenesis, with the oral cavity representing a key site where microbial dysbiosis and host immune responses interact to promote tumor development.Periodontitis, a persistent inflammatory disease driven by pathogenic bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, and Tannerella forsythia, contributes to the destruction of periodontal tissues and may facilitate cancer initiation and progression.Epidemiological and molecular evidence links periodontal pathogens to various malignancies, including oral, gastrointestinal, and pancreatic cancers, as well as non-Hodgkin lymphoma.Microbial-driven carcinogenesis involves multiple mechanisms, including acetaldehyde production, nitrate-to-nitrite conversion, and enhanced penetration of environmental carcinogens into inflamed tissues.Periodontal tumors, whether benign or malignant, require early detection, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment to prevent functional and aesthetic complications.Recognizing periodontitis as a modifiable risk factor underscores the importance of maintaining oral microbial balance and implementing effective periodontal therapy as potential strategies for cancer prevention.Further studies are necessary to clarify molecular pathways and develop targeted interventions.