A study published in BioMed Research International has shed light on a significant health concern: the link between oral health and lung cancer. The research indicates that individuals with periodontal disease (gum disease) and tooth loss may face a higher risk of developing lung cancer.
The researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of multiple studies involving over 263,000 participants. They discovered that those with periodontal disease had a 24% increased risk of lung cancer compared to individuals without gum disease. Additionally, tooth loss was associated with a 28% higher risk of lung cancer. The study also found a dose-response relationship, meaning that the more severe the tooth loss, the greater the risk of lung cancer.
But, Why Does Oral Health Seem to Affect Lung Cancer Risk?
While the direct cause-and-effect relationship is not clear, several hypothesis have been proposed:
Chronic Inflammation: Gum disease leads to chronic inflammation in the mouth, which can spread to other parts of the body, including the lungs, potentially contributing to cancer development.
Bacterial Inhalation: Harmful bacteria from infected gums can be inhaled into the lungs, causing infections or creating an environment conducive to cancer.
Shared Risk Factors: Lifestyle factors such as smoking are risk factors for both poor oral health and lung cancer, which might partly explain the association.
Tooth Loss and Its Causes
Tooth loss is often the culmination of various oral health issues, primarily:
Dental Caries (Tooth Decay): The destruction of tooth enamel due to acids produced by bacteria.
Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease): Infection and inflammation of the gums and bone supporting the teeth.
Trauma or Injury: Physical impact causing tooth damage or loss.
Here in Aotearoa, tooth extraction is a common approach to these problems, often due to lower cost compared to restorative treatments. The Ministry of Health reported that in 2023/2024, over 320,000 adults had teeth extracted because of decay, abscesses, infections, or gum disease.
Your Health Matters
The connection between tooth loss and lung cancer is another reminder that oral health is more than just about your teeth—it affects your entire body and overall health. Taking small steps today to care for your gums and teeth can have lifelong benefits for your overall health.
The good news? Preventing tooth loss is possible with the right care, habits, and regular check-ups.
📲 Take control of your health #LoveYourSmile
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All our content is grounded in scientific research. If you're interested in delving deeper into this topic, feel free to explore not only the articles mentioned below but also other scientific studies and research papers that provide valuable insights. Science is a vast and ever-evolving field, and there's always more to discover and learn.