As if prostate cancer, lower testosterone and erectile dysfunction weren't enough, now men have new health concern to worry about; early death due to bad oral health.
Appearing in the May issue of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, the study done by researchers at the University of Copenhagen, University College London and University of Oregon concluded that poor oral health is indicated for early death in men.
It examined just under 4200 men who entered military service between January 1965 and December 1971. Even after adjusting the study to take into account income, education and other early indicators of death such as smoking, alcohol use and chronic illnesses, the study found that men who had that oral health had almost twice the risk of dying than men in good oral health.
Other studies that have connected bad oral health to increased mortality rates suggested that underlying reason was becausen people who have lost all of their natural teeth are more likely to die is due to the fact that they have to change their diets to compensate for their lack of teeth and thus did not get the proper nutrition they need to stay healthy.
Some researchers suggest that periodontal disease and other oral diseases cause the body's immune system to produce inflammation in the gums. This inflammation increases production of a certain protein that spreads throughout the body in the blood stream leading to an increased risk of other health-threatening conditions, such as heart disease.
I don't agree with you as the Swedish researchers behind the latest study have admitted their findings do not prove a causal link between cancer and dental plaque. Poor mouth hygiene may be an indicator of other lifestyle factors associated with cancer.
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