The relevance of oral bacteria and cancers

Oral hygiene not only works to prevent tooth decay, gingivitis, root canal, and bad breath, but can also prevent the risk of cancer.

Some studies have found a link between bacteria in the mouth with different types of cancer such as breast, pancreas, esophagus and intestine. Scientists believe that bacteria move into the blood through an open wound in the mouth and damage tissues in various organs of the body.

According to Dr. Jiyoung Ahn, Department of Medicine at New York University (USA), by studying more deeply about this relationship, scientists hope to be able to identify the risk of cancer based on the types. Bacteria present in the oral cavity of patients.

Pancreatic Cancer

People with more Porphyromonas gingivalis will have a 60% higher risk of pancreatic cancer than those with lower levels. Another bacterium, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans , also doubles the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Both types of bacteria are known to be the main culprits in periodontitis.

Pancreatic cancer is the leading cause of death in the world and most cases of disease detection are in the late stages, partly because the disease spreads quickly and is difficult to diagnose at an early stage.

Picture 1 of The relevance of oral bacteria and cancers
Oral hygiene helps prevent dental diseases and may help reduce the risk of cancer.(Photo: Getty Images).

Bowel cancer

Fusobacterium bacteria that cause root canal bleeding may increase the risk of bowel cancer. The bacteria can enter the blood to the intestine and cause cancer or exacerbate existing tumors.

Stomach cancer

Dr. Ahn said it was found in the mouth of patients with esophageal cancer a bacterium called proteobacteria.

In 2016, researchers at the University of Louisville, Kentucky (USA), also discovered Porphyromonas gingivalis is present in 61% of patients with esophageal cancer.