FIZZY drinks raise your cancer risk, according to a study.
Women who consume more than one sugary drink per day were found to be five times more likely to get mouth cancer than those who drink less than one a month.
Experts at the University of Washington said too much of the sweet stuff can cause gum disease, in turn raising the risk of tumours in the mouth or throat.
Oral cancer cases are rising and hit 10,825 in the UK last year, making it the 10th most common type.
Tumours can develop on the tongue, lips, cheeks, tonsils or throat.
Smoking, booze and the HPV virus are linked to the vast majority of mouth cancer cases and it is generally more common in men.
Sugar linked to cancer risk
The new research found sugary drinks also appear to increase the risk, regardless of whether the patient smoked or drank.
Rates remained very low but the impact could account for an extra three avoidable cancer cases per 100,000 people, raising the rate from two per 100k to five.
Study author Dr Brittany Barber said: “High sugar-sweetened beverage intake was associated with a significantly increased risk of oral cavity cancer in women, regardless of smoking or drinking habits.
“A Western dietary pattern has increasingly been recognised as a risk factor for gastrointestinal cancers and is characterised by high consumption of saturated fats, processed foods and added sugars.
“Despite World Health Organisation guidelines advising limiting added dietary sugars, consumption remains excessive in many countries.
“Our hypothesis is that diets with higher added sugar may contribute to chronic inflammation, which may in turn contribute to the risk of oral cavity cancers.”
The study, in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, used NHS medical records from 163,000 women in the UK.
It found rates of oral cancers were 4.87 times higher in women who drank a lot of sugary drinks compared to those who had fewer than one a month.
Dr Barber added: “More studies are needed in larger cohorts including males.”
Signs of disease in the mouth
BAD breath and mouth ulcers are common occurrences.
But they may signal an underlying health problem, too.
Dr Rahul Nehra, Lead Dentist at The Smile Gallery, warns of the symptoms in your mouth that should never be ignored.
BLEEDING GUMS
PERSISTENT bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing, can indicate gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
This is often caused by plaque buildup along the gumline, leading to inflammation and potential tissue damage.
It’s essential to address bleeding gums promptly to prevent further complications like gum recession and tooth loss.
For bleeding gums, proper oral hygiene is crucial, along with professional dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
BAD BREATH
Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, can be a sign of various dental issues, including poor oral hygiene, gum disease or cavities.
But it could be an underlying health problem such as diabetes or gastrointestinal issues.
Dental check-ups can help identify and address the root cause of bad breath, such as gum disease.
Improving bad breath typically involves maintaining good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice daily, flossing, and using an antimicrobial mouthwash.
LUMPS AND SORES
WHILE occasional mouth sores are common and often harmless, persistent lumps or sores that don’t heal within two weeks could be signs of more serious conditions such as oral cancer.
Other concerning signs include white or red patches, numbness, or difficulty moving the jaw. If you notice any of these symptoms, seeing a dentist or doctor for further evaluation is crucial.
Sores in the mouth may benefit from topical treatments or medications prescribed by a dentist or doctor, while monitoring for any signs of infection or malignancy.
WOBBLY TEETH
LOOSE teeth can indicate advanced gum disease or untreated tooth decay.
Without prompt intervention, this can lead to tooth loss and bone deterioration.
Seeking dental care as soon as possible can help preserve remaining teeth, possibly through procedures like scaling and root planing or dental restorations.
SWALLOWING DIFFICULTY
DIFFICULTY swallowing, also known as dysphagia, can be caused by various factors, including oral infections, inflamed tonsils, or even more severe issues like throat cancer.
If you experience persistent difficulty swallowing or a sensation of something stuck in your throat, it’s essential to seek medical or dental attention promptly for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
CROAKY VOICE
A CROAKY or hoarse voice can result from various conditions affecting the throat or vocal cords, including acid reflux, respiratory infections, or vocal cord nodules or polyps.
In some cases, poor oral hygiene or throat irritation can also contribute to voice changes.
If you experience persistent hoarseness or voice changes, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.
Addressing a croaky voice may involve lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding irritants like tobacco smoke or excessive vocal strain.
