There isn’t a dentist alive who doesn’t preach the wisdom of flossing your teeth regularly. Flossing helps keep your gums healthy, reducing the chances of disease that can threaten your teeth. If that’s not enough incentive for you, a new study indicates flossing may play a role in preventing cancer.
That’s right. Researchers at Harvard University reached that conclusion after studying the dental habits 50-thousand men. They found those with gum disease were at a 50 per cent higher risk of developing cancer of the kidney, blood and pancreas.
The Harvard study backs up other research that shows a connection between gum disease and pancreatic cancer. Researchers don’t know exactly why there’s a connection. They theorize that increased inflammation of the gums, caused by infections, somehow promotes the growth of cancer.
Of course, flossing greatly reduces the likelihood of developing gum disease in the first place. So, flossing your teeth every day not only makes for a healthier mouth. It may well be a weapon in the fight against cancer.