Background: Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) have been reported as an emerging biomarker in many cancer types. They are used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and could be considered therapeutic targets in treating the same. Main body: Studies have proven that miRNAs play an essential role in molecular cancer pathophysiology, including oral squamous cell carcinoma. Distinct expression profiles of different miRNAs have been demonstrated in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Among the miRNAs, the miR-31 has strong potential as a unique biomarker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and the increased expression was correlated to a poor clinical outcome with a likely contribution to oral carcinogenesis. Short conclusion: The recent research on different aspects of miR-31 as a biomarker and also its potential application in the development of therapy for oral squamous cell carcinoma has been focused in this review. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. © 2022 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.