Dissecting the role of acetaldehyde in oral carcinogenesis

The goal of this study is to better understand how drinking alcohol may lead to oral cancers. Acetaldehyde, a chemical formed when the body breaks down alcohol, is believed to play an important role. This study will measure acetaldehyde and DNA damage levels in the mouth of participants after a low dose of alcohol. The levels will be compared between three groups, all having different degrees of risk for developing oral cancer, and with non-drinkers to identify DNA damage that might be important to cancer formation. We also want to understand how alcohol can affect the bacteria in our mouths and how that might impact oral DNA damage.