Oral microbiome, periodontitis and risk of head and neck cancer

Highlights • Oral cavity can harbor symbiotic or hostile microbes linked to inflammation and cancer. • HNC patients may experience shifts in the oral microbiome rather than healthy individuals. • Periodontitis increases the risk of developing several types of cancer. • P. gingivalis might upregulate carcinogenesis by interacting with HNC cells. • Periodontitis, tooth loss and lack of dental care elevate the risk of HNC.