This way, you can easily reduce your laryngeal cancer risk by one-fifth

Physicians are investigating the link between throat cancer and good oral hygiene

A simple procedure can reduce your risk of developing throat cancer by more than a fifth. Researchers found that daily brushing can actually protect against throat cancer. The results of the study underline the importance of good oral hygiene.

New York University scientists have found in their current research that daily brushing protects against the development of cancer of the larynx. The experts published the results of their study in the English-language journal "Cancer Research".

Cancer of the larynx is usually recognized very late and often ends fatally. Researchers found that good oral hygiene can help prevent the development of this dangerous form of cancer.

Bacteria in the mouth and throat can increase the risk of throat cancer by 21 percent

Higher levels of certain bacteria already associated with various gum diseases increase the likelihood of throat cancer by about 21 percent. It is still unclear whether the bacteria themselves or a gum disease leads to tumors in the esophagus, explain the researchers.

Good oral hygiene protects against health complications

The scientists point out that their results show how important good oral hygiene is. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day and visiting a dentist on a regular basis. This is the only way to maintain the dental health of people, which can protect them from other health complications.

Unfortunately, throat cancer is usually recognized very late

According to the researchers, throat cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Unfortunately, this type of cancer is often discovered at an advanced stage, which is why the five-year survival rates are between 15 and 25 percent. Daily thorough brushing reduces the risk of developing throat cancer by more than a fifth, say the scientists.

How do I get a healthy oral hygiene?

There are many easy ways to maintain good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth before going to bed and you should brush your teeth at least once a day. Use fluoridated toothpaste for this. At least once a day, you should clean your teeth with dental floss or interdental brushes. Also, avoid any sugary foods and drinks. In addition, be sure to visit regular dental check-ups.

Researchers examined 122,000 subjects

For their study, the physicians analyzed the samples from a total of 122,000 people. Over the course of ten years, 106 participants developed esophageal cancer. The study found that certain bacteria associated with gum disease increase the risk of throat cancer by 21 percent. However, there are also bacterial strains that reduce the likelihood that an individual will develop cancer of the esophagus.

We need to increase our knowledge about the oral microbiota

The results of the study show that increasing knowledge about the role of the oral microbiota may potentially lead to strategies that help to prevent esophageal cancer, or at least contribute to early stages of detection, explains author Professor Jiyoung Ahn. Esophageal cancer is a highly fatal cancer. There is an urgent need for new opportunities for prevention and early detection. The results of the study confirm the need for good oral health to protect against gum disease and other health complications.

Gum disease can lead to various forms of cancer

Previous research has already linked gum disease caused by certain oral bacteria to various types of cancer, including those of the mouth, head and neck. (As)