YOU wouldn’t think brushing your teeth wrong could end up costing you your life.
But new research reveals that rushing in the morning and neglecting your gnashers could raise the risk of head and neck cancer.
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Doctors have long known that nasty bacteria from gum disease can increase the risk of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Until now, experts weren’t sure which specific bacteria in the mouth were linked to cancer.
US scientists have now discovered over a dozen types of bacteria in the mouth that could boost the risk of the disease by 50 per cent.
They argue their findings highlight the importance of good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day, flossing, and regular dentist visits.
But more than a third of British adults claim to never floss, according to a previous survey.
Study author Professor Richard Hayes, from New York University (NYU) said: “Our results offer yet another reason to keep up good oral hygiene habits.
“Brushing your teeth and flossing may not only help prevent periodontal disease but also may protect against head and neck cancer.”
There are around 13,000 new cases of head and neck cancer every year – or 35 every day – and numbers are increasing 30 per cent each decade, experts warn.
It kills more than 4,000 annually.
Symptoms can be subtle, meaning it is often diagnosed at a late stage.
There are more than 30 areas within the head and neck where tumours can develop, which can make it hard to spot.
Nine in 10 head and neck cancers start in squamous cells, Macmillan Cancer Support says.
Squamous cells are flat, skin-like cells that cover the lining of the mouth, nose, larynx, thyroid and throat.
And although most often diagnosed in older adults, oral cancers are becoming increasingly common in younger people.
Previous research has suggested human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus spread via sex and through skin contact, could be driving the surge.
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For the study, published in JAMA Oncology, scientists analysed the diets, lifestyles and medical history data of almost 160,000 people in the US.
The volunteers were asked to rinse with mouthwash and provide saliva samples that were then preserved and tested for the number and types of microbes present.
At a follow 15 years later, 236 participants were diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Their oral microbe DNA was compared with 458 participants who had remained cancer-free.
How you are brushing teeth wrong
NOT cleaning your teeth correctly could prove fatal, according to a dentist.
The oral expert, founder of Elleven Dental in London, said “If we don’t look after our oral health it can have serious implications on our health further down the line.
“Aside from chronically bad breath (halitosis), neglecting to look after your teeth and gums can lead to issues including gum disease, teeth abscesses, decay, infections and even tooth loss.
“Increasingly, studies show the importance of flossing for neurological and cardiac health as well.”
The best way to avoid complications? Taking good care of your teeth, including flossing every day.
Dr Patel said: “Flossing removes plaque from below the gum line, which can erode tooth enamel and cause tartar, as well as reduce the risk of gingivitis, cavities, and the likelihood of your gums becoming inflamed, sore, and red.
“Be sure to floss daily for optimum teeth and gum health, as well as for your overall well-being,” he told MailOnline.
Aside from not flossing, other ways you could be cleaning your teeth wrong, according to Dr Patel, include:
For optimum oral health, he also suggests:
Smoking history, age and alcohol intake were also accounted for, so not to ruin the results.
The scientists said 13 species of different bacteria routinely found in the mouth were found to raise or lower the risk of cancer.
The group with high levels of these bacteria in their mouths had a 30 per cent greater likelihood of developing the disease.
In combination with five other species that are often seen in gum disease, the overall risk was increased by 50 per cent.
However, they added that the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect link between bacteria and cancer.
Study co-author and associate director for population research at its Perlmutter Cancer Center said: “Now that we have identified key bacteria that may contribute to this disease, we next plan to explore the mechanisms that allow them to do so and in what ways we can best intervene”.
The at-home mirror test
Find a large mirror with good lighting, then get as close as you can to it.
he early signs of head and neck cancer can be felt in and around the neck, throat and jaw,” Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK said.
“Check along the insides of your lips and look at your gums. Are there any lumps, bumps or red or white patches?
“Look at the back of your mouth. Stick out your tongue and move it from side to side.
“Don’t forget to look underneath your tongue too.”
Next, it’s time to assess the health of your neck by feeling under and around your jaw.
“This area can sometimes be a bit lumpy, especially if you’ve had a cold or other illness recently, so learn what’s normal for you,” OHNCUK said.
If you notice any of the following newly-developed symptoms, and you’ve had them for over three weeks, speak to your GP:
“A mouth check every month can really make a difference,” Michelle said.
“If you have any concerns or notice anything that doesn’t go away for three weeks, it is important to speak with a doctor or dentist to get checked out.
“The earlier you can catch cancer, the better your chances of successful treatment and recovery.
“If you look at other cancers as a comparison point, early detection rates for head and neck cancers are considerably lower than other cancers.
“Early-stage diagnosis for combined head and neck cancers is around 13 per cent and we want this to be at 75 per cent.
“Let’s work together to raise awareness of how to prevent these cancers and improve earlier diagnosis of disease.”
