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Smiling Your Way Out of Cancer: The Underrated Power of Oral Hygiene

health

By Julian F.

- Apr 7, 2024

Entering the secret world of your mouth, far from just a hallway for cheeseburgers and banter, research has uncovered some tooth-shattering revelations. In the Cold War of bodily functions, the gut biome might sit firmly on the iron throne, but the mouth biome is a strong yet often overlooked, contender. Ever wonder what happens when you ditch your tongue scraper and declare dental abstinence? Well, brace yourself, as evidence points towards a cheerful link between poor oral cleanliness and an accelerated risk of many cancers, notably colorectal and pancreatic.

Colorectal cancer, otherwise known as 'a solid reason to eat your greens', rests as the third most common cancer cause-of-death among men, and fourth among women in the U.S. While advancements in screenings have painted a less dire picture overall, colorectal cancer rates among youngsters have ironically begun to rise. This unfortunate trend is attributed to a splendid combination of sedentary lifestyles, overconsumption of processed goodies, obesity, and diets that treat fiber as an unwanted dinner guest.

Enter your mouth biome. Sporting over 700 varied bacterial species, the diverse populations residing in your mouth are believed to influence health in several ways. Also, a bacteria called Fusobacterium nucleatum, a known party crasher for your gums, thrives in mouths suffering from negligence. Its unchecked growth can cause inflammation, potentially leading to bone and tissue destruction and creating a grin that would scare off a Halloween enthusiast.

A dysfunctional mouth biome has been linked to an array of health nightmares such as obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, Alzheimer's, inflammatory bowel disease, and metabolic dysfunction-associated liver diseases. If that's not enough to reach for your toothbrush, it also shares ties to different cancers, particularly those located in the head and neck. Yet, the most notorious link resides with colorectal and pancreatic cancers.

However, the direct relationship, if any, between an imbalanced oral biome and both gum disease and these conditions remain to be thoroughly understood. Cumulative research shows that bad oral hygiene, coupled with factors like genetics, smoking, diabetes, and obesity, can result in higher transmission rates of the pesky F. nucleatum from mouth to gut, creating a potential pathway to cancer.

How do these oral bacteria misadventures affect other body areas, such as colorectal cancer? Scientific opinions vary. Some believe the organisms from your oral space can travel and cause havoc at distant sites, inducing inflammation and disease risks. Others think imbalances in the oral biome can trigger systemic inflammation, indirectly stoking the fires of disease progression.

In the end, we might not yet grasp the full complexity behind these microscopic oral party crashers and their malignant inclinations. However, the undeniable connection warrants attention.
So, before you bunk up with bacteria and invite them for an extended stay, remember your trusty battle gear: toothbrushes, floss, mouthwash, and regular dentist appointments. Also, a healthy lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet and regular exercise helps uphold a sturdy oral biome. Because really, who wants to make a risky gamble for the sake of avoiding minty freshness?

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