Abstract: Substantial evidence supports the relationship between chronic inflammation and cancer development. Numerous studies suggest that chronic inflammatory disease, such as periodontitis, contributes to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma development. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignant tumor in the oral and maxillofacial regions. Porphyromonas gingivalis, one of the most important pathogens in association with periodontal disease, might have a potential correlation with OSCC. Along with the development of molecular biological techniques, the association between Porphyromonas gingivalis and OSCC has been greatly emphasized in recent years. This review summarizes the association between these variables and the potential mechanisms involved in such relationship.

Key words: oral squamous cell carcinoma, chronic periodontitis, Porphyromonas gingivalis