Gum disease increases the risk of colorectal cancer

Gum disease and tooth loss increase the risk of colorectal cancer, and are linked to pancreatic, esophageal, and stomach cancers, according to studies.

Gum disease is a group of inflammatory conditions that affect the tissues surrounding the teeth and gums. Some studies have shown 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, second only to the intestinal microbiome. According to a 2020 study by the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, USA and several other organizations, on more than 148,000 people, the oral microbiome and the balance of bacteria within it affect overall health in many ways. Among them, there is a link between the oral microbiome and cancer. Gum disease and tooth loss increase the risk of colorectal cancer, and it is also associated with head and neck, pancreatic, and esophageal cancers.

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 lost two or more teeth (due to gum disease) had a 33% higher risk 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 disease associated with metabolic dysfunction.

Another 2020 study by the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health in the US, on more than 42,000 people, showed that gum disease is also associated with 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 colon polyps are a type of colon polyp that can develop into cancer over time.

The study authors found that missing four or more teeth (due to periodontal disease) was associated with a 20% increased risk of serrated polyps. A history of gum disease was associated with an 11% increased risk of common adenomas, another type of colon polyp that is not cancerous but can develop into cancer.

Compared with healthy people, people diagnosed with colorectal cancer have a higher rate of transmission of harmful F. nucleatum bacteria from the mouth to the intestine. F. nucleatum has the ability to combine with other bacteria to form biofilms on the tooth surface, causing adhesion and increasing the possibility of gingivitis. It can also attack protective cells and cause damage to the soft tissue around the teeth, gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Poor oral microbiome function and imbalance, gum disease, tooth loss are often caused by poor oral hygiene, genetics, smoking, diabetes and obesity. Oral bacteria can directly reach other parts of the body and cause damage and inflammation. Changes in the oral microbiome can lead to systemic inflammation and indirectly increase the risk of disease.

Good oral hygiene helps prevent gum disease and colorectal cancer. Brush your teeth after meals, floss at least once a day, use mouthwash, and see your dentist regularly for 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 the bone and tissue that support the teeth, leading to tooth loss.

Mai Cat (According to Everyday Health )

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