When you think about preventing colon cancer, your first thought might be about diet, exercise, or getting regular colonoscopies—not brushing your teeth. But growing research is showing that what happens in your mouth could affect your risk of developing this deadly disease.
A recent study from Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital found a significant connection between periodontal disease (gum disease), tooth loss, and conditions that can lead to colon cancer, the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
What the Study Revealed About Colon Cancer Risk
Researchers examined thousands of healthcare workers over many years, looking for two types of precancerous growths in the colon:
- Adenomas — benign tumors that can turn cancerous.
- Serrated polyps — small, sawtooth-shaped growths that can also develop into cancer.
Here’s what they discovered:
- People with periodontal disease had a 17% higher risk of developing adenomas or serrated polyps.
- Losing four or more teeth was linked to a 20% higher risk of serrated polyps.
- Tooth loss raised the risk of advanced adenomas: losing 1–3 teeth meant a 28% higher risk, while losing 4+ teeth raised it to 36%.
How Oral Health Could Affect Colon Cancer Development
The mouth contains a vast community of bacteria, some helpful and some harmful. Poor oral hygiene—or risk factors like smoking, diabetes, and genetic predisposition—can allow harmful bacteria to flourish.
According to Dr. Mingyang Song of Harvard, these bacteria may trigger inflammation and disrupt the immune system. This inflammation can travel beyond the mouth, potentially affecting the colon and contributing to colon cancer development.
How to Protect Your Mouth and Lower Colon Cancer Risk
While the exact link between oral health and colon cancer is still being studied, keeping your mouth healthy is a smart move for overall wellness. Here are some basic daily practices:
- Brushing daily to maintain oral hygiene.
- Flossing daily to remove hidden plaque.
- Visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings.
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle—quit smoking, eat fiber-rich foods, and stay active.
The Bottom Line
Good oral health isn’t just about a great smile—it may play a role in preventing colon cancer. Taking care of your gums and teeth could be a small step with a big impact on your long-term health.
If you care about reducing your colon cancer risk, start with your toothbrush today. Dental plaque and calculus can accumulate and become massive in the mouth check out my youtube video on this!