Oral health is not just a luxury .. but the first line of defense against the most dangerous types of cancer!
In a scientific surprise that may change your perspective on daily dental care, a recent study conducted by researchers at the New York Medical School revealed a direct link between irregular tooth brushing and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest types of cancer with low survival rates.
* Bacteria .. the hidden enemy
The study, published in the "JAMA" medical journal and spanning 8 years, tracked the condition of more than 122,000 individuals, concluding that harmful oral bacteria resulting from infrequent tooth brushing can migrate through saliva and settle in the pancreas, causing chronic inflammation that may develop into cancerous tumors.
* Details in numbers:
Number of participants: 122,000 individuals
Number of pancreatic cancer cases: 445 cases
Each case was matched with a person who did not have cancer for comparison
Analyzed:
21 types of oral bacteria
4 types of fungi
3 main pathogens for gum diseases.
* Major types of bacteria associated with increased cancer risk:
P. gingivalis
E. nodatum
P. micra
Researchers also identified 13 types of oral bacteria linked to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer, while 8 other types were found to potentially reduce this risk.
* What about fungi?
The study also linked a type of fungus known as "Candida" to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer specifically.
* Results that may change the future of early detection
The researchers wrote in the study's conclusion:
"It has become clearer than ever that brushing teeth is not only a means of preventing gum diseases but may also be an effective way to reduce the risk of one of the deadliest types of cancer."
They noted that assessing the oral microbiome ( bacteria and fungi in the mouth ) may help oncologists in the future identify individuals at higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer early, opening a wide door for prevention and early intervention.
* What is pancreatic cancer? And why is it dangerous?
Pancreatic cancer is considered one of the most dangerous types of cancer due to the difficulty of detecting it in early stages.
It is often diagnosed too late, when treatment options are limited.
Its main symptoms include:
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes)
• Itching of the skin
• Dark urine
• Pale stool
• Sudden weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Chronic fatigue
• High fever
• Nausea
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Pain in the upper abdomen and back
* The point that should not be ignored
Neglecting your toothbrush may not only lead to cavities or gum bleeding; it may also be your gateway to a deadly risk that you only feel after it's too late!
Make brushing your teeth twice a day a daily habit not to be taken lightly, as it may be the simplest step to protect you from the greatest health threat.