Micronucleus rate of buccal mucosal epithelial cells in relation to oral hygiene and dental factors

SummaryCarcinogenesis of squamous cell carcinomas in the upper aero-digestive tract (UADT) is a multi-stage process. Since 1937, micronuclei (MN) have been considered a marker for genome damage in the initiation stage. By help of the micronucleus test, carcinogenic exposure can be proven in the mucosa area of the UADT. The hypothesis to be tested was that individual oral hygiene and the dental status, respectively – just like alcohol and tobacco abuse – are associated with the micronucleus rate in cytological preparations of the buccal mucosa. In a prospective clinical observation study, we determined in 100 probands the micronucleus frequency per 1000 mucosa epithelial cells. Study participants with a high number of missing teeth (M/T index, p = 0.037), a below-average papillary bleeding index (PBI, p = 0.032) and periodontal status, respectively (PSI, p = 0.042) possessed a higher micronucleus number in comparison with restored dental conditions. Probands with composite restorations displayed a higher MN rate (p = 0.006) compared to those with amalgam. However, we could not detect any significant relation with the prosthetic status (p ⩾ 0.075). An adjustment was made according to alcohol and tobacco. We therefore conclude that subgingival plaque and synthetic dental materials in addition to chronic alcohol and tobacco consumption might have genotoxic relevance in the oral cavity.