{"id":221,"date":"2019-07-20T16:52:34","date_gmt":"2019-07-20T16:52:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veroimplantdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=221"},"modified":"2019-08-22T18:09:34","modified_gmt":"2019-08-22T18:09:34","slug":"dentist-in-vero-beach-liver-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premierdentalvero.com\/blog\/2019\/07\/20\/dentist-in-vero-beach-liver-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Dentist in Vero Beach May Help Protect You from Liver Cancer"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"LiverDid you know that good oral hygiene is about more than just preventing cavities and gum disease? More and more studies in recent years have found that oral health problems can be linked to larger issues such as heart disease. Most recently, a connection has been found between the mouth and a potentially life-threatening condition: liver cancer. Learn more about this relationship and why seeing your dentist in Vero Beach might be more crucial than you realize.<\/p>\n

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How Has Oral Health Been Linked to Liver Cancer?<\/h2>\n

A study performed in the United Kingdom examined the connection between oral health and various cancers linked to the gastrointestinal system (liver, colon, rectum and pancreatic). Painful or bleeding gums, mouth ulcers, loose teeth and other oral symptoms were self-reported by patients.<\/p>\n

While there was no significant connection to general gastrointestinal cancers, it was found that patients who reported problems in their mouths were at a 75% higher risk of liver cancer.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the Reason for This Link?<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s currently not clear why poor oral health seems to be connected to liver cancer in particular. However, one theory involves the bacteria involved in gum disease and tooth decay. The liver plays a role in fighting such bacteria; when it becomes diseased, its ability to fight off infection is impaired.<\/p>\n

Another idea is that patients who are missing a lot of teeth might not have a sufficiently varied diet, only eating soft foods. This can affect nutrition and make liver cancer more likely to occur.<\/p>\n

Finally, the connection could be a side effect of the fact that both liver cancer and poor oral health are influenced by lifestyle decisions. Smoking and alcohol consumption, for example, are particularly significant risk factors for both.<\/p>\n

How Can I Protect My Oral Health?<\/h2>\n

While it\u2019s not clear that taking care of your mouth will prevent liver cancer, it\u2019s undeniable that taking care of your teeth and gums is an important step in keeping the rest of your body healthy. To that end, follow these oral health care tips:<\/p>\n