ORAL MICROBES can travel to the pancreas and cause cancer, so take these daily precautions to prevent this from ever happening to you
By sdwells // 2025-09-23
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Most of us think of the mouth as simply a tool for eating, speaking, and smiling. However, growing research reveals that the microbes living there may have a profound effect on overall health. A new study published in JAMA Oncology suggests that specific bacteria and fungi in the mouth could significantly increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, one of the most deadly cancers worldwide.
  • Oral microbes linked to pancreatic cancer: A JAMA Oncology study of 122,000 Americans found that 27 specific bacteria and fungi in the mouth were associated with a more than threefold increase in pancreatic cancer risk.
  • Gum disease and fungal species involved: Harmful microbes like Porphyromonas gingivalis, Eubacterium nodatum, and Candida were connected to pancreatic tumors, highlighting the mouth-pancreas health connection.
  • Possible pathway: Scientists believe oral microbes may reach the pancreas via swallowed saliva, fueling inflammation and tumor growth; poor oral health has long been tied to higher cancer risk.
  • Prevention through oral care: Good hygiene, antioxidant-rich nutrition, limiting sugar, and regular dental checkups can support a balanced oral microbiome and reduce disease risk.

Is Your Mouth Putting You at Risk for Pancreatic Cancer?

Researchers from NYU Grossman School of Medicine conducted one of the largest investigations into the oral microbiome and pancreatic cancer risk. They studied saliva samples from over 122,000 Americans and followed participants for nearly nine years. Within the group, 890 individuals were examined in detail, of whom 445 developed pancreatic cancer. The findings were striking: just 27 oral microbes—including 24 bacteria and fungi—were associated with more than a threefold increase in pancreatic cancer risk. Notably, microbes like Porphyromonas gingivalis and Eubacterium nodatum, already known for causing gum disease, were implicated. The study also identified fungal species such as Candida, revealing that not only bacteria but also fungi may influence cancer development. Lead researcher Dr. Yixuan Meng emphasized that these results provide critical insight into how the oral microbiome may contribute to pancreatic cancer. In other words, what happens in the mouth may not stay in the mouth.

How Microbes Travel and Influence Cancer Risk

Scientists propose that oral microbes may travel from the mouth to the pancreas through swallowed saliva. Once there, they may contribute to inflammation, immune disruption, and other conditions that promote tumor growth. This builds on earlier evidence linking poor oral health—such as gum disease and chronic infections—with higher pancreatic cancer risk. Importantly, the oral microbiome is not static. It changes based on diet, hygiene, antibiotic use, and lifestyle. This means daily habits may unknowingly tip the microbial balance toward harmful organisms that increase disease risk.

Protecting Your Oral Microbiome

While more research is needed, there are practical steps individuals can take to maintain a healthy oral environment and potentially reduce cancer risk:
  • Brush, floss, and rinse regularly: Good oral hygiene limits plaque buildup and reduces harmful bacteria.
  • Eat for oral health: A diet rich in antioxidants, probiotics, and anti-inflammatory nutrients supports microbial balance.
  • Avoid excess sugar and processed foods: These feed harmful microbes and encourage imbalance.
  • Schedule regular dental care: Professional cleanings and early treatment of infections prevent long-term damage.
These strategies highlight the important role oral health plays in overall wellness, extending far beyond teeth and gums.

Taking Action for Long-Term Health

The implications of this research are profound. If microbes in the mouth can influence cancer risk, maintaining oral health becomes a vital part of disease prevention. Experts stress that supporting the oral microbiome is one of the most powerful steps individuals can take to safeguard long-term health. Your mouth is more than the gateway to your digestive system—it may also be a window into your future health. By prioritizing oral care and healthy lifestyle choices, you can give your body the best chance to stay balanced, resilient, and protected against conditions as serious as pancreatic cancer. Tune your internet dial to NaturalMedicine.news for more tips on how to use natural remedies for preventative medicine and for healing, instead of succumbing to Big Pharma products that cause, spread, and exacerbate disease and disorder. Sources for this article include: NaturalNews.com NaturalHealth365.com          
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