DENTIST IN NORTH PORT SHARES HOW POOR ORAL HEALTH IS LINKED TO LIVER CANCER
Poor oral health impacts more than just your teeth and gums. In fact, the health of your oral cavity can play a large role in your overall well-being. This includes your heart, brain, liver, and other vital organs existing within the body. The things you consume, bad habits you practice, and lack of oral hygiene can all negatively affect your health in such as a way that the results can be hard to handle physically, emotionally, and mentally. To provide a clearer picture, allow a dentist in North Port to explain why you are putting yourself at a higher risk for developing liver cancer when you avoid good oral health practices.
How is Poor Oral Health Linked to Liver Cancer?
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “If mama isn’t happy, then no one is happy.” Well, the same goes for your oral health. If your teeth and gums are in poor health, then you can expect your body to follow suit. Researchers from the Centre of Public Health at Queen’s University in Belfast discovered individuals with gum disease and bleeding gums are at a 75% increased risk of developing liver cancer. This alarming statistic also revealed that of the nearly 470,000 people who participated in the study, over 4,000 developed gastrointestinal cancer, 13% of whom declared they had poor oral health at the start of the study.
Researchers admit more needs to be done to definitively link poor oral health and liver cancer, but analysis shows that individuals who claim they are lacking in oral hygiene habits and exhibit problems with their teeth and gums are 75% more likely to develop liver cancer. It is suggested that gut bacteria, cirrhosis, or hepatitis may be the reason for the impaired liver, thus, allowing the bacteria to thrive and live longer.
What Can You Do to Improve Your Oral Health?
It’s not always easy trying to establish a new routine, but with hard work, dedication, and perseverance, you can put your teeth and gums on a path to cleanliness. Some ways in which you can improve your oral health include:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day for two full minutes
- Flossing at least once a day
- Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash
- Keeping your regularly scheduled dental appointments
- Limiting the amount of sugar you eat
- Avoid chewing on inanimate objects or hard foods
- Wear a mouth guard while playing sports
No one wants to hear the word “cancer,” so it’s important to do everything you can to avoid putting yourself at risk. By following these tips to improving your oral health, you’ll be setting yourself up for a lifetime of wonderful memories made with friends and family.
About the Author
Dr. Paul Stein, DMD earned his bachelor’s degree in biology with honors from Rollins College before going on to pursue his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. For more than 20 years, he has been practicing dentistry and helping individuals in both private practice and as the Dental Director of the Sarasota County Health Department. As a member of the Shore Dental team, he and his colleagues strive to help patients achieve optimal oral health, especially when it can lead to other health-related problems. To learn more about Dr. Stein and our services offered, contact us via our website or call (941) 257-0826.