As we get older, we need to pay more and more attention to our oral hygiene. Keeping up with your oral hygiene puts you less risk for common issues such as cavities and plaque. More important than this however, you limit your risk for gum disease and oral cancer.
A study from Case Western Reserve University states that the “fatty acids from bacteria present in gum disease may cause Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS)-related lesions and tumors in the mouth.” The study suggests the “byproducts of fatty acids” caused these oral tumors. As with many forms of cancer, the research is proposing pre-screenings of people with periodontal disease to catch tumors before they worsen. People with periodontal disease are known to have increased levels of the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum present in their mouth’s saliva, both of which are known to exacerbate KS-related lesions.
Dangers of Fatty Acids
After the testing was complete, this research study concluded “the fatty acids impacted the replication of KS.” With fatty acids present, the body could not prevent the growth of the cancer. This news is especially concerning for patients with HIV, whose immune system has difficulty battling the generation of KS-related lesions.
To ensure that you are not at high-risk for oral cancer as you age, make sure to not let your regular oral hygiene fall by the wayside. It’s also important to regularly schedule appointments at your local Auburn, MA dentist’s office. If you already have periodontal disease, make sure you follow the treatment plans outlined by your dentist.