New research reveals a strong association between suboptimal oral health and the emergence of systemic ailments, particularly specific forms of cancer, finding that this connection centers around a phenomenon known as "oral dysbiosis," in which an imbalance in oral bacteria can trigger a variety of health complications, and underscoring the fundamental role of oral hygiene in preserving overall well-being.
In the oral cavity, more than 700 distinct types of bacteria coexist. While some of these bacterial species promote dental and general health, others have the potential to contribute to the onset of severe systemic illnesses.
Scientific investigations have indicated that maintaining a harmonious microbial ecosystem within the mouth is vital for oral health and profoundly influences the body's response to various diseases. Dysbiosis, characterized by an imbalanced oral microbiome, can lead to a spectrum of health issues, ranging from common dental problems such as cavities and gum disease to more severe conditions like heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes.
Recent studies have gone a step further, revealing that oral dysbiosis may even play a role in the development of life-threatening digestive cancers. These include malignancies affecting the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, colon, and rectum, with a majority of new cases and related deaths concentrated in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Scientists propose that various environmental factors, such as tobacco use, dietary choices, alcohol consumption, and obesity, can influence many forms of digestive cancer. Recent evidence also suggests the involvement of the human oral microbiota in the development of digestive cancers. Fusobacterium nucleatum, a bacterium commonly found in the mouth, plays a crucial role in bacteria associated with colorectal cancer. However, several other oral pathogens may also contribute to cancer development.
Meanwhile, a study featured in the British Journal of Cancer (BJC) has reported that Treponema denticola (Td), the bacterium responsible for periodontitis, may be linked to the development of pancreatic cancer, a particularly lethal form of cancer characterized by the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the pancreas.
The Treponema bacterium can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums and spread to other parts of the body. If left untreated and undiagnosed, periodontal disease can contribute to the progression and metastasis of cancer, particularly pancreatic cancer.
Professor Timo Sorsa, an expert in Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases at the University of Helsinki, highlights that Treponema bacterium shares a specific enzyme with some gut cancers. This enzyme, known as Treponema denticola chymotrypsin-like proteinase, or dentilisin, is typically found in the oral cavity, where it is recognized for its role in severe gum disease (periodontitis). However, this same enzyme has also been detected in malignant and life-threatening tumors.
In the oral cavity, dentilisin not only contributes to gum disease but also activates other enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which break down the material between cells and cell membranes, facilitating the invasion of healthy tissue by cancer cells. This connection raises concerns about potential health issues associated with dentilisin in the oral cavity.
The 2017 BJC study was the first to reveal that virulence factors from gum disease bacteria could migrate from the mouth to other parts of the body and participate in the central mechanisms of cancer-related tissue destruction.
Subsequent research has reinforced the study's findings. A report published in the International Journal of Cancer, also authored by Professor Sorsa's team, examined registry data spanning over a decade, involving more than 68,000 adults in Finland who had sought primary dental healthcare. The study unveiled that periodontitis was associated with a 33% increased risk of overall cancer mortality. For individuals with pancreatic cancer, the mortality risk associated with gum disease was significantly higher, exceeding a twofold increase.
The discoveries concerning the connection between oral bacteria and cancer have motivated Professor Sorsa's team to explore methods for preventing cancerous developments. One potential solution is the early detection of gum infections through rapid diagnosis. Researchers believe that by swiftly identifying gum disease with a chair-side aMMP-8 rapid test, it may be possible to prevent certain cancers by enabling faster treatment of the underlying issue: gum inflammation. Professor Sorsa notes that this test makes the invisible visible.
Among all MMP enzymes, the highly active MMP-8 enzyme has been found to be elevated in patients suffering from gum disease leading to periodontal connective tissue damage, Professor Sorsa explains. Periodontitis, or severe gingivitis, is a prevalent condition estimated to affect up to half of the global population, often without any noticeable symptoms. Early detection of these diseases is imperative because it allows for intervention and treatment before irreversible damage occurs. Traditional methods like routine check-ups and X-rays may, however, overlook early signs of these diseases since symptoms tend to manifest in later stages. By utilizing biomarkers like aMMP-8, clinicians can identify subtle inflammation and tissue damage, enabling them to initiate treatment before the disease becomes visible.
The aMMP-8 rapid test can non-invasively measure and evaluate active periodontal adhesive tissue loss and the risk of its progression within five minutes in the dental chair. Professor Sorsa highlights that the test complements the diagnosis, follow-up, and maintenance treatment of periodontitis and peri-implantitis.
Periodontal and peri-implant diseases affect the supporting structures of teeth and dental implants, potentially leading to tooth loss if left untreated. Gum infections can develop for various reasons, with a key factor being the accumulation of bacterial plaque, or biofilm, on tooth surfaces due to inadequate oral hygiene.
In discussions on new treatment options and the prevention of periodontitis, Professor Sorsa emphasizes the importance of modern antibacterial methods for enhanced oral hygiene and effective plaque removal in periodontitis treatment and prevention. Research also indicates that antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) represents a promising approach for treating bacterial infections, even those resistant to antibiotics.
Lumoral treatment stands as the first aPDT treatment device designed for home use. Developed by Finnish scientists, Lumoral offers a drug-free alternative for managing and preventing severe gum disease.According to Tommi Pätilä, a cardiac and organ transplant surgeon at the New Children's Hospital in Helsinki, "Poor oral health is linked to over 200 chronic diseases. Lumoral is a product that enhances oral hygiene when used regularly at home, and research suggests that it can also enhance the effectiveness of professional dental care. What's more, it may reduce the need for conventional medications like antibiotics and chlorhexidine in the treatment of gum disease."
The product is suitable for patients of all ages but is particularly recommended for those with a history of common oral diseases, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Regular brushing and flossing are essential components of maintaining a healthy mouth by eliminating dental plaque from tooth surfaces and interdental areas.
