A bright smile in the mirror can raise our spirits, but it also appears to lower the risk of developing lung cancer. A recent study in Japan demonstrated that tooth loss was associated with a 54% greater risk of developing lung cancer.

This study involving over 5,000 patients with cancer, and 10,000 cancer-free individuals also found an increase in esophageal, and head and neck cancers in those that were missing teeth. The researchers took into account smoking and alcohol use as factors that increase risk, and it appears that tooth loss alone was the culprit in many patients.

Why?

Scientists are increasingly looking at the role of chronic inflammation in the development of cancer and other diseases. Tooth loss is commonly caused by a chronic bacterial infection in the mouth. It could be that poor dietary habits contributed to tooth loss as well, and eating a healthy diet appears to lower the risk of lung cancer.

The take home message? Brush, floss, eat a healthy diet, and see your dentist. He or she appears to have an important role in helping you prevent cancer!

About.com’s Dental Care Guide shares more in the Top 10 Reasons to Have a Dental Cleaning.

_Source:

Hirak, A. et al. Teeth Loss and Risk of Cancer at 14 Common Sites in Japanese. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention. May 1, 2008. 17:1222-1227.