(NaturalHealth365)  Most of us think of our mouths as just a tool for eating, talking, and smiling.  But a growing body of research shows that the microbes living in your mouth may be silently influencing your overall health in shocking ways.

The latest study, published in JAMA Oncology, suggests that certain oral bacteria and fungi may significantly increase your risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

The mouth-pancreas connection is more serious than you think

In a massive study of 122,000 Americans, researchers analyzed saliva samples to identify the bacteria and fungi inhabiting participants’ mouths.  They then followed these individuals for nearly nine years.  Among the 890 participants analyzed in depth, 445 went on to develop pancreatic cancer.  The results were startling: a group of just 27 oral microbes – including 24 bacteria and fungi – was linked to more than a threefold increase in pancreatic cancer risk.

Some of these microbes are already notorious for causing gum disease, like Porphyromonas gingivalis and Eubacterium nodatum.  But the study also identified fungal species – particularly Candida – that were associated with pancreatic tumors, suggesting that the mouth’s microbial population may play a role in cancer development.

“Our findings provide new insight into the relationship between the oral microbiome and pancreatic cancer,” said Dr. Yixuan Meng, lead author and postdoctoral fellow at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.  Essentially, what’s happening in your mouth does not stay in your mouth.

How oral microbes could travel to the pancreas

Scientists suspect that these bacteria and fungi may travel from the mouth to the pancreas through swallowed saliva, potentially contributing to inflammation and other conditions that promote tumor growth.  Poor oral health – gum disease, cavities, and infections – has long been linked to higher pancreatic cancer risk, but this study is the first to pinpoint the specific microbes involved.

Even more concerning: the oral microbiome is dynamic and can change based on diet, oral hygiene, antibiotics, and lifestyle factors.  This means that what you eat and how you care for your teeth could be influencing your pancreatic cancer risk without you even realizing it.

Natural solutions to improve your oral health

While research continues to uncover the precise mechanisms, there are proactive steps you can take to support a healthy oral microbiome:

• Brush, floss, and rinse wisely: Removing plaque and harmful microbes reduces the risk of gum disease and microbial imbalance.

• Support your mouth with nutrition: Antioxidant-rich foods, probiotics, and anti-inflammatory nutrients help maintain a healthy microbial balance.

• Limit sugar and processed foods: These can feed harmful bacteria and fungi, tipping the balance toward disease-promoting microbes.

• Regular checkups: Professional cleanings and early interventions by a biological dentist can prevent infections before they escalate.

Your mouth is much more than the gateway to your digestive system.  Healthy teeth and gum tissue are essential for your overall health, including cancer prevention.

You can take action to protect your oral and overall health today

If you’re concerned about these findings, there’s good news: the most effective oral health strategies used by 33 of the very best scientists, doctors, and nutritionists are available to you right now.  With Jonathan Landsman’s Holistic Oral Health Summit, you get access to 33 expert presentations, audio recordings, and transcripts packed with actionable strategies to protect your teeth, gums, and overall health.  Discover the suppressed truths about dental toxins, gum disease, and oral infections, and discover how supporting your oral microbiome could help reduce risks like pancreatic cancer.

Your mouth is already home to microbes that could affect your health.  The question is: will you give it the tools it needs to stay balanced and protective?  Order the Holistic Oral Health Summit today and put lifesaving knowledge at your fingertips for yourself and the people you love.

Sources for this article include:

Jamanetwork.com
Medicalxpress.com