“A large study of people living in the United Kingdom found that those who reported having poor oral health, such as sore of bleeding gums or loose teeth, had a 75% higher risk of developing liver cancer,” reports Catharine Paddock, PhD. This may not come as a major surprise knowing that a number of additional studies have established that gums and teeth in poor health result in a higher risk for conditions such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes and even some cancers. But does poor oral hygiene directly relate to liver cancer? Find out, below.
Digestive cancers are on the rise and some people are tying this to the fact that aging populations are becoming more and more prevalent. Tie that in with an increasing number of environmental and behavioral risk factors and you’ve got yourself plenty of logical reasons.
So, can the way you treat your teeth and gums really play a role in whether or not you’re susceptible to liver cancer?
Recent studies have shown that there is no direct causal relationship, which is the good news. However, poor oral health has definitely been connected with a number of cancers of the digestive system.
So, what’s the common theme here? While oral and dental issues may not be the number one contributing factor to certain health problems like cancers or diseases, it is vital to keep your mouth healthy.
Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, followed by flossing and rinsing with mouthwash is the first step! It’s also necessary to schedule an appointment with your dentist once every six months for a professional cleaning.