Did you know that good oral hygiene is about more than just preventing cavities and gum disease? More and more studies in recent years have found that oral health problems can be linked to larger issues such as heart disease. Most recently, a connection has been found between the mouth and a potentially life-threatening condition: liver cancer. Learn more about this relationship and why seeing your dentist in Vero Beach might be more crucial than you realize.
How Has Oral Health Been Linked to Liver Cancer?
A study performed in the United Kingdom examined the connection between oral health and various cancers linked to the gastrointestinal system (liver, colon, rectum and pancreatic). Painful or bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, loose teeth and other oral symptoms were self-reported by patients.
While there was no significant connection to general gastrointestinal cancers, it was found that patients who reported problems in their mouths were at a 75% higher risk of liver cancer.
What’s the Reason for This Link?
It’s currently not clear why poor oral health seems to be connected to liver cancer in particular. However, one theory involves the bacteria involved in gum disease and tooth decay. The liver plays a role in fighting such bacteria; when it becomes diseased, its ability to fight off infection is impaired.
Another idea is that patients who are missing a lot of teeth might not have a sufficiently varied diet, only eating soft foods. This can affect nutrition and make liver cancer more likely to occur.
Finally, the connection could be a side effect of the fact that both liver cancer and poor oral health are influenced by lifestyle decisions. Smoking and alcohol consumption, for example, are particularly significant risk factors for both.
How Can I Protect My Oral Health?
While it’s not clear that taking care of your mouth will prevent liver cancer, it’s undeniable that taking care of your teeth and gums is an important step in keeping the rest of your body healthy. To that end, follow these oral health care tips:
- Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush that won’t damage the enamel and use fluoride toothpaste that provides better defense against tooth decay.
- Floss daily to clean the spaces in your mouth that your toothbrush wouldn’t be able to reach. You can use water flossers or interdental brushes if you have trouble with traditional string floss.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash to ward off infections.
- Cut down on sugary foods that can exacerbate decay.
Of course, you’ll also want to see your dentist at least twice a year. Not only will they be able to clean your mouth thoroughly, but they’ll also be able to find and treat oral health issues quickly before too much damage is done. Your teeth – and the rest of your body – just might thank you later.
About the Practice
At Vero Implant and Esthetic Dentistry, Drs. Adam Jones and Giuliana Diaz Jones welcome all patients, whether it’s those looking to restore lost teeth or those simply wanting to keep their smile healthy. In addition to cavity and gum disease prevention, they offer treatment and restorations such as crowns and bridges for damaged or missing teeth. To schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (772) 234-5353.