Gum disease and tooth loss increase the risk of colorectal cancer, and are linked to cancer of the pancreas, esophagus, and stomach according to studies.
Gum disease is a collection of inflammatory conditions that affect the tissues surrounding the teeth and gums. There is some research showing that gum disease increases the risk of certain types of cancer.
The mouth is home to the second largest microbiome in the body with more than 700 species of bacteria, just behind the intestinal microflora. According to research published in 2020 by Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, USA and a number of units, on more than 148,000 people, the microbiome in the mouth and the balance of bacteria within it affect health. whole in many ways. Among them, there is a connection between the oral microbiome and cancer. Gum disease and tooth loss increase the risk of colorectal cancer, and are also linked to cancers of the head and neck, pancreas, and esophagus.
After 22-28 years of follow-up, researchers also found that people with a history of gum disease had a 52% higher risk of stomach cancer than people without gum disease. People who lose two or more teeth (due to dental disease) have a 33% chance of stomach cancer.
The health of the oral microbiome has been linked to many diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis and fatty liver associated with metabolic dysfunction.
Another 2020 study by Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, USA, on more than 42,000 people, showed that gum disease is also related to the risk of colorectal cancer. People with gum disease are 17% more likely to have serrated colon polyps than people with no history of the disease. Serrated polyps are a type of colon polyp that can develop into cancer over time.
The study authors found that people who lost 4 or more teeth (due to gum disease) were associated with a 20% increased risk of serrated polyps. A history of gum disease can increase your risk by 11% for common adenoma, another type of colon polyp that is not cancerous but can develop into cancer.
Compared to healthy people, people diagnosed with colorectal cancer have a higher rate of transmission of harmful F. nucleatum bacteria from the mouth to the intestines. F. nucleatum has the ability to combine with other types of bacteria to form biofilm on tooth surfaces, causing adhesion and increasing the likelihood of gingivitis. It can also attack protective cells and cause damage to the soft tissue around the teeth, gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Poor functioning and imbalance of the oral microbiome, gum disease, and tooth loss are often caused by poor oral hygiene, genetics, smoking, diabetes, and obesity. Bacteria in the mouth can directly reach other parts of the body and cause damage and infection. Changes in the oral microbiome can lead to systemic inflammation and indirectly increase disease risk.
Good oral hygiene helps prevent gum disease and the development of colorectal cancer. You should brush your teeth after meals, floss at least once a day, use mouthwash, and see your dentist for more regular oral care.
A healthy diet and lifestyle, including regular exercise and not smoking, also keep the oral microbiome healthy. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to destruction of bone and tooth-supporting tissues, leading to tooth loss.