Bleeding Gums May Indicate Higher Colon Cancer Risk
News Desk
London: Health experts have highlighted that early warning signs of bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, may appear in the mouth, alongside the more familiar symptoms like changes in bowel habits and abdominal pain.
In the United Kingdom, a person is diagnosed with bowel cancer every 12 minutes, with around 17,000 deaths annually. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country.
According to Dr Mark Berhane of The Sleep Dentist Online, common dental problems may indicate an imbalance in the oral microbiome, the system of beneficial bacteria in the mouth. When harmful bacteria dominate this system, research suggests it may increase the risk of colon cancer.
Some of these bacteria can travel from the mouth to the intestines, potentially causing inflammation that may contribute to cancer development.
Lifestyle factors such as inadequate brushing and flossing, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a diet high in sugar and low in fiber can disrupt this delicate bacterial balance.
A study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that women with fewer teeth or gum disease have a slightly higher risk of colon cancer, particularly in the upper colon.
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Dr Berhane explained that several common dental problems could serve as indicators of changes in the mouth’s bacterial environment, which may be linked to an increased risk of colon cancer. These include:
Bleeding, swollen, or receding gums: Often a sign of gum disease, bleeding while brushing may allow harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream and digestive system, potentially contributing to colon cancer risk. Individuals with gum disease are 17–21 percent more likely to develop precancerous colon polyps.
Bad breath: Associated with bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum, which is linked to gum disease and has been found in high numbers in some colon cancer tumors.
White or yellow coating on the tongue: Usually caused by bacteria, debris, or dead cells due to poor oral hygiene, dehydration, or dry mouth. This coating can act as a reservoir for bacteria that may be linked to colon cancer risk.
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Tooth loss: People who have lost four or more teeth, often due to long-term untreated gum disease, have about a 20 percent higher risk of developing cancerous colon polyps.
Dr Berhane emphasized that these oral signs often develop silently and may go unnoticed for years, making regular dental care and monitoring vital for early detection of potential health issues.
He urged people to maintain good oral hygiene and address gum disease promptly, noting that oral health is increasingly recognized as a window into overall gut health and potential cancer risks.
