Pancreatic cancer is associated with two types of bacteria that can cause gum disease.
Since childhood, dentists advise us to brush teeth twice a day to avoid tooth decay and gum problems. But new studies show that regular brushing can also help prevent the development of one of the most deadly forms of cancer.
Scientists from new York University found that pancreatic cancer is associated with two types of bacteria that can cause gum disease.
The researchers tracked the health of 732 people over 10 years. Half of the participants eventually developed pancreatic cancer, while the other subjects were healthy. The results showed that people who had two types of bacteria in the oral cavity, P. gingivalis and A. Actinomycetemcomitans – two times more likely to suffer from pancreatic cancer during the observation period. So, people with the presence of bacteria P. Gingivalis had a 59% higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer, while people with the presence of bacteria A. actinomycetemcomitans by 119% higher risk of developing this type of cancer.
These bacteria are known to cause periodontitis – a severe form of gum disease. According to experts, they are not sure what bacteria are the cause of cancer, since they studied only a statistical relationship.
