A new study has found that poor oral hygiene, specifically not brushing teeth regularly or thoroughly, may be linked to an increase in the risk of liver cancer.
The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Helsinki and published in the Journal of Hepatology.
The Study
The study involved over 500,000 participants from ten different countries. Participants were asked about their tooth brushing habits and other oral health behaviors.
The researchers also collected information about the participants’ alcohol consumption, smoking habits, and history of hepatitis B and C infections.
The study found that those who reported not brushing their teeth regularly or thoroughly had a 55% greater risk of developing liver cancer compared to those who brushed regularly and thoroughly.
The researchers believe that the link between poor oral hygiene and liver cancer may be due to the presence of oral bacteria in the gut. These bacteria could promote the development of liver cancer by causing chronic inflammation.
Other Risk Factors for Liver Cancer
While poor oral hygiene may be a risk factor for liver cancer, there are several other well-established risk factors for the disease. These include:.
- Chronic hepatitis B or C infections
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Obesity
- Diabetes
Reducing Your Risk of Liver Cancer
The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of liver cancer. These include:.
- Getting vaccinated against hepatitis B
- Getting tested for hepatitis C and seeking treatment if needed
- Limiting your alcohol intake
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet
- Exercising regularly
- Brushing your teeth regularly and thoroughly
The Bottom Line
Poor oral hygiene, specifically not brushing teeth regularly or thoroughly, may be linked to an increased risk of liver cancer. However, it’s important to note that poor oral hygiene is just one of many risk factors for liver cancer.
By taking steps to reduce your overall risk, such as maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol intake, you can help protect yourself from this potentially deadly disease.