How a common morning mistake ‘increases your risk of killer cancer by 50%’

YOU wouldn’t think brushing your teeth wrong could end up costing you your life.

But new research reveals that rushing in the morning and neglecting your gnashers could raise the risk of head and neck cancer.

Doctors have long known that nasty bacteria from gum disease can increase the risk of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Until now, experts weren’t sure which specific bacteria in the mouth were linked to cancer.

US scientists have now discovered over a dozen types of bacteria in the mouth that could boost the risk of the disease by 50 per cent.

They argue their findings highlight the importance of good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day, flossing, and regular dentist visits.

But more than a third of British adults claim to never floss, according to a previous survey.

Study author Professor Richard Hayes, from New York University (NYU) said: “Our results offer yet another reason to keep up good oral hygiene habits. 

“Brushing your teeth and flossing may not only help prevent periodontal disease but also may protect against head and neck cancer.”

There are around 13,000 new cases of head and neck cancer every year – or 35 every day – and numbers are increasing 30 per cent each decade, experts warn.

It kills more than 4,000 annually.

Symptoms can be subtle, meaning it is often diagnosed at a late stage.

There are more than 30 areas within the head and neck where tumours can develop, which can make it hard to spot.

Nine in 10 head and neck cancers start in squamous cells, Macmillan Cancer Support says. 

Squamous cells are flat, skin-like cells that cover the lining of the mouth, nose, larynx, thyroid and throat.

And although most often diagnosed in older adults, oral cancers are becoming increasingly common in younger people. 

Previous research has suggested human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus spread via sex and through skin contact, could be driving the surge.

For the study, published in JAMA Oncology, scientists analysed the diets, lifestyles and medical history data of almost 160,000 people in the US. 

The volunteers were asked to rinse with mouthwash and provide saliva samples that were then preserved and tested for the number and types of microbes present. 

At a follow 15 years later, 236 participants were diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. 

Their oral microbe DNA was compared with 458 participants who had remained cancer-free.

Smoking history, age and alcohol intake were also accounted for, so not to ruin the results.

The scientists said 13 species of different bacteria routinely found in the mouth were found to raise or lower the risk of cancer. 

The group with high levels of these bacteria in their mouths had a 30 per cent greater likelihood of developing the disease.

In combination with five other species that are often seen in gum disease, the overall risk was increased by 50 per cent. 

However, they added that the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect link between bacteria and cancer.

Study co-author and associate director for population research at its Perlmutter Cancer Center said: “Now that we have identified key bacteria that may contribute to this disease, we next plan to explore the mechanisms that allow them to do so and in what ways we can best intervene”.