According to a study by Queen’s University Belfast, having poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of liver cancer. Researchers found that people with oral hygiene problems such as painful or bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, and tooth loss 75 percent higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma was the most common form of liver cancer.
what is study
The study analyzed a group of more than 469,000 people from the UK to explore the association between oral hygiene problems and the risk of gastrointestinal cancers, such as cancer of the liver, colon, rectum and pancreatic.
The researchers found that 4,069 of the participants developed gastrointestinal cancer over a six-year period. In 13 percent of these cases, patients also reported poor oral hygiene conditions.
How are oral hygiene and liver cancer related?
Experts say that this could be related to two reasons. The first is the role of the oral and gut microbiome in disease development. Another reason is that people with poor oral health, such as missing teeth, are unable to eat proper nutritious foods, which increases their risk of liver cancer.
symptoms of liver cancer
Liver cancer can present itself with a number of symptoms such as weight loss, jaundice, pain and/or abdominal swelling. You may also experience loss of appetite or feel full immediately after eating a small amount of food. Lumps in the right side of your abdomen, pain in your right shoulder and itching can also be symptoms of this disease.
what is liver cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is a scarring of the liver, caused by liver diseases such as hepatitis and excessive drinking. This usually occurs at a later stage of these diseases and increases the risk of liver cancer. Advanced cirrhosis can also be life-threatening. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of liver diseases and seek immediate treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent or limit any further damage.
How to prevent liver cirrhosis
Healthy lifestyle changes are essential to prevent liver damage. Limit alcohol consumption and try to drink only occasionally or quit drinking altogether. Maintaining a healthy weight is also important. If you are overweight or obese, try to manage your diet and exercise to reach your healthy weight range.
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