A longitudinal observational study has found that oral diseases such as cavities, gingivitis, and tooth loss are associated with an increased risk of cancer incidence and mortality (Image from Yonhap News TV)
SEOUL, July 17 (Korea Bizwire) — A decade-long study involving nearly 3.85 million South Korean adults has found a significant link between poor oral health and increased cancer risk and mortality—particularly among people over 50.
Led by Professors Kim Gye-hyung of Seoul National University Hospital and Lee Seung-yeon of Seoul Boramae Medical Center, the study tracked individuals who underwent oral examinations in 2009 and followed their health outcomes through 2019 using national insurance records.
Researchers found that individuals suffering from dental caries, gingivitis, or tooth loss had a higher incidence of several cancers. Tooth loss, in particular, was associated with a 13% higher risk of colorectal cancer, 9% for liver cancer, 8% for stomach cancer, and 4% for lung cancer. Gingivitis was also linked to increased liver and colorectal cancer risks by 8% and 7%, respectively.
Cancer-related deaths showed a similar pattern. Among the 37,135 cancer deaths recorded during the study period, those with tooth loss had a 24% higher mortality rate from prostate cancer, 21% from stomach cancer, 16% from liver cancer, 14% from colorectal cancer, and 8% from lung cancer. Gingivitis was also associated with an 11% increase in liver cancer mortality.
The association was most pronounced among those aged 50 and older, where tooth loss raised overall cancer risk by 18%.
“Oral diseases don’t just affect dental health—they contribute to chronic inflammation that can play a role in the onset and progression of cancer,” Kim said. “Routine dental checkups and hygiene may be an underappreciated tool in cancer prevention.”
The findings were published in the latest issue of the international journal Science Progress.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
