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Dentist: Gum Disease Ups Cancer Risk
24 Apr
Summary
- Gum disease is associated with a 21 percent increased risk of colorectal cancer.
- Oral bacteria, Fusobacterium nucleatum, found in colorectal tumors.
- Dentists may miss cancer risk indicators, a San Francisco dentist states.
A dentist with extensive experience is drawing attention to potential colorectal cancer indicators found in the mouth. He emphasizes that dentists should look beyond cavities, as oral health can signal risks for other conditions. A recent meta-analysis involving over 16 million individuals found a 21 percent elevated risk of colorectal cancer associated with gum disease.
This association is believed to stem from the oral bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum, a primary culprit in gum disease. This bacterium has been identified in nearly half of colorectal tumors studied, suggesting it may travel from the mouth to infect the lower digestive tract. This discovery underscores the interconnectedness of oral and overall health.
