Cancer risk due to bad oral hygiene

Inadequate dental care increases cancer risk

09/06/2014

As a study shows, bad oral health and inadequate dental care can increase the risk of cancers of the upper air and food routes. However, too much oral hygiene can be dangerous: The investigation indicated that frequent use of mouthwash can promote oral and throat cancer.

Poor oral health increases cancer risk
As the „pharmacy magazine“ (6/2014 A) citing an EU study involving Bremen University, poor oral health and inadequate dental care increase the risk of upper airway and cancers. Evidence of poor oral health included factors such as frequent bleeding of the gums and wearing dentures. Therefore, thorough care with dentures remains important. And even dental visits would not be superfluous for people wearing a prosthesis, as a co-author of the study said. The results of the Europe-wide collaborative study were in the journal „Oral Oncology“ been published.

Excessive use of mouthwash can promote cancer
The study also showed that it can be exaggerated with oral hygiene. The researchers cautioned that the study found evidence that overuse of mouthwash more than three times a day may promote oral and throat cancer. It was not clarified whether a certain variety of mouthwash is responsible for the increase in risk. It is advised not to use mouthwash everyday. Regular brushing and the use of floss in combination with regular dental visits are the most important. (Ad)