A new study adds to the many reasons why oral hygiene should be priority for everyone. Researchers from Queen’s University Belfast have recently found a link between poor oral health and an increased risk of liver cancer. So, whenever you think about skipping the floss (“C’mon, It’s just for one night!”), think again.
The study involved a large cohort of over 469,000 participants from the U.K. The researchers evaluated the participants’ oral health conditions, such as general teeth condition, bleeding gums, and mouth ulcers, as well as their risk for gastrointestinal cancers, including liver, colon, and pancreatic cancer. Of the total number of participants, 4,069 developed gastrointestinal cancer during the six-year follow up; 13 % of the cancer cases involved patients who reported poor oral health.
Notably, the researchers found no critical association between poor oral health and most gastrointestinal cancers. However, they did find a significantly increased risk of hepatobiliary cancer among those with self-reported oral conditions. Specifically, poor oral health was found to be associated with a 75% increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of liver cancer. HCC often occurs in people with chronic liver diseases, such as hepatitis B or C infection.
“Poor oral health has been associated with the risk of several chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes,” said lead study author Dr. Haydee WT Jordao, of the Centre of Public Health at Queen’s University Belfast. “However, there is inconsistent evidence on the association between poor oral health and specific types of gastrointestinal cancers, which is what our research aimed to examine,” she added.
But what’s behind this connection?
One possible explanation is the development of bacteria and microbiome in the oral cavity, and the role of the liver in eliminating these bacteria from the body. For people with a liver disease like hepatitis or cirrhosis, the normal function of their liver is impaired, perhaps allowing bacteria to survive longer and cause more harm, explained Dr. Jordao.
This is the first study investigating the relationship between self-reported oral health and digestive cancers in the U.K. While no definitive causal link has been established, Dr. Jordao and colleagues recommend that future studies look into the biological mechanisms of people with high cancer risk due to poor oral health; including those who have several teeth missing, due to unhealthy dietary habits. Patients should be monitored carefully for severe skin reactions, and discontinuation of https://www.ncahcsp.org/buy-accutane-online/ Accutane should be considered if required. Accutane can cause muscle and joint pain and elevated serum levels of CPK, which may be accompanied by exercise intolerance. Bottom line of this new study: taking care of our teeth means taking care of our liver, as well. Your daily gift to your body: Brush. Floss. Eliminate. Don’t Hesitate!
To learn more about this study, click here
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