Healthy teeth mean a lower risk of cancer.

Researchers assert that maintaining healthy natural teeth and regular dental visits are crucial for overall health. If you often forget to brush your teeth in the evening, consider these expert recommendations. New studies indicate that diligent dental care can provide protection against certain forms of cancer.

More Natural Teeth – Higher Survival Rates with Cancer

Researchers from the University of North Carolina examined health data from 2,500 patients with head and neck cancer worldwide. They found that individuals who regularly visited the dentist and had more natural teeth (as opposed to missing or artificial ones) prior to their cancer diagnosis had a better chance of survival.

This study defines frequent dental visits as at least six appointments over a ten-year period. Those who regularly saw a dentist had a 74% five-year survival rate, compared to just 54% for those who never visited a dentist.

Frequent dental visits increase the chances of early diagnosis, detecting the disease at a less fatal stage, and provide crucial time for treatment. Patients who had no natural teeth left had a 15% lower chance of surviving the five-year period compared to those with more than 20 natural teeth. It’s worth noting that most adults have 32 teeth—or 28 if their wisdom teeth have been removed.

Well-Cared-For Teeth – Lower Cancer Risks

Using data from the International Consortium for Epidemiology of Head and Neck Cancer, researchers also analyzed other aspects of oral health among cancer patients. In addition to patients’ dental visits and the number of natural teeth, they looked at gum bleeding, frequency of tooth brushing, and use of mouthwash. However, as reported by Sciencefocus, scientists found that gum bleeding, frequent mouthwash use, or brushing teeth did not significantly alter a person’s survival chances.

However, Dr. Jason Tasoulas, a PhD at the University of North Carolina and the study’s author, emphasizes that good oral health is essential to prevent tooth loss. According to him, maintaining a healthy set of teeth largely depends on brushing twice a day, using dental floss or interdental brushes, and visiting the dentist regularly (at least every six months).

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck ranks as the sixth most common type of cancer worldwide. Its occurrence is often linked to tobacco and alcohol use. As one of the researchers, Dr. Antonio L. Amelio, notes, their team hopes these findings will become a standard part of recommendations for the prevention and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas in the near future.