Experts warn that some common oral problems may be linked to a higher risk of colon cancer.
Although the most well-known symptoms of this disease are changes in bowel habits or abdominal pain, studies suggest that oral health can also provide warning signs.
Colon cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths. In the UK alone, a new case is diagnosed every 12 minutes, while around 17 people die from the disease each year.
The connection between the mouth and the intestines
According to dentist Dr. Mark Burhenne, changes in the mouth can indicate an imbalance in the oral microbiome – the “good” and “bad” bacteria that live in the mouth.
When harmful bacteria become dominant, they can spread to the digestive tract through saliva or blood and in some cases can promote inflammation that is linked to the development of cancer.
Factors that can disrupt this balance are:
poor oral hygiene
SMOKING
excessive alcohol consumption
diet high in sugar and low in fiber.
Signs in the mouth that should not be ignored
Bleeding or swollen gums
Bleeding when brushing your teeth is often a sign of gum disease. Studies have shown that people with periodontal problems may have a 17–21% higher risk of precancerous polyps in the colon.
Swollen, sensitive, or receding gums can also be a sign of early inflammation.
Persistent bad breath
Persistent halitosis may be linked to the bacterium Fusobacterium nucleatum, which is found in the mouth and has also been identified in some colon cancer tumors.
This bacterium can travel through the body through saliva or blood cells and can help cancer cells evade the immune system.
Tongue with white or yellow coating
A white or yellow coating on the tongue is usually created by bacteria, food debris, and dead cells. Some studies suggest that this may reflect changes in the oral microbiome, which may be linked to the risk of colon cancer.
Loss of several teeth
Losing four or more teeth, often due to untreated gum disease, has been linked to about a 20% increased risk of precancerous polyps in the colon.
What you should do
Experts emphasize that dental problems are not a sure sign of cancer, but may be an indicator that overall health, including gut health, is not optimal.
To reduce the risk it is recommended:
brushing and flossing regularly
periodic check-ups at the dentist
healthy diet with more fiber
physical activity
avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol.
However, the best defense against colon cancer remains early detection, as screening programs can identify signs of the disease even before symptoms appear. /GazetaExpress/
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