Not brushing your teeth increases the risk of oral and stomach cancer, a 20-year study finds
- People suffering from gum disease have an increased risk of stomach and mouth cancer, the study said
- The oral hygiene study in Boston examined the people for 20 years
- Gum disease was associated with a 52% increased risk of cancer of the stomach
Over the 20-year studies do not brush your teeth increases your chances of getting cancer of the mouth or stomach.
Research in Boston found that people with a history of gum disease to 52 percent more likely to develop cancer in later life.
Scientists in the US found that there is gum disease linked to increased cancer risk, and this risk was even higher among people who have previously lost teeth.
According to NGSthe website, the main cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene.
Research scientists in Boston found a link between gum disease and cancer of the oral cavity and the stomach in later life
It is also known that gum disease can also lead to heart problems, as bacteria spread through the blood.
A team of researchers from the school the Harvard T. H. Chan of public health in Boston looked at the incidence of cancer of the esophagus and stomach in 98,459 women and men 49,685 for more than 20 years.
The results showed that in the period from 22 to 28 years, there were 199 cases of esophageal cancer cases and 238 cancer of the stomach.
History of gum disease was associated with a 43% and 52% increased risk of esophageal cancer and stomach cancer, respectively, the study showed.
Compared to people without tooth loss, the risk of cancer of the esophagus and stomach for those who lost two or more teeth was also increased – by 42% and 33%, respectively, said the scientists.
Those with a history of gum disease, tooth loss and, having lost one or more teeth was equally associated with a 59 percent increased risk of developing cancer of the esophagus compared to those without a history of periodontal disease and tooth loss, researchers say.
Likewise, this same group was 50% and 68% higher risk of stomach cancer, the study found.
The relationship between bacteria are commonly found in the oral cavity, for example, tannerella forsythia and porphyromonas blood and cancer of the esophagus was done by other scientists in previous studies.
Another possible reason is that poor oral hygiene and gum disease can contribute to the formation of bacteria known to cause stomach cancer, the researchers said.
Previous findings about the connection of gum disease and tooth loss with esophageal and stomach cancer have been inconsistent, the authors said.
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