Brushing your teeth twice a day is vital for avoiding tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease, but a new study has revealed that it may also significantly reduce the risk of a deadly disease. NHS guidelines recommend brushing teeth at least twice a day to maintain oral health. The study discovered that this simple habit could potentially lower the risk of cancer by up to 50 percent, making a strong case for regular brushing. Researchers in the US have identified a link between over a dozen types of oral bacteria and a 50 percent increased risk of developing head and neck cancer. These same bacteria are associated with periodontal disease, a severe gum condition that can cause damage to the jawbone and surrounding tissue.
Previous research had established a connection between oral bacteria and head and neck cancers, but the specific types involved were unknown until now. The study, published in JAMA Oncology, analysed data from three ongoing studies involving 159,840 Americans to explore the impact of various factors, including oral health, on cancer risk. Participants were asked to use mouthwash and provide saliva samples for analysis, allowing researchers to identify specific DNA from bacteria and fungi in the mouth. After a decade or more, researchers followed up with participants to track any tumor development. Out of the total participants, 236 individuals were diagnosed with head and neck cancers, with 13 oral bacterial species like Prevotella salivae, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Leptotrichia being linked to an increased cancer risk.
Professor Richard Hayes from NYU Grossman School of Medicine highlighted the significance of the research for dental health, stating that good oral hygiene practices could play a crucial role in preventing not just gum disease but potentially head and neck cancers as well. The NHS recommends thorough tooth brushing, including cleaning all tooth surfaces and avoiding immediate rinsing post-brushing to retain the high fluoride concentration from toothpaste. Head and neck cancer is reported as the eighth most common cancer in the UK, with approximately 12,800 new cases annually and around 4,100 deaths each year. Maintaining proper dental care routines, such as regular brushing and flossing, is essential for overall oral health and potentially reducing the risk of serious diseases like cancer.