How oral bacteria (F. nucleatum) fuels cancer growth

by Dr. Sonny Lee | Apr 8, 2024 | News and Research, Oral Links to General Health, Oral Pathogen & Microbiome

How oral bacteria (F. nucleatum) fuels cancer growth

For the longest time, cancer research has focused on on genetic mutations and environmental factors in its search for preventative treatments and cures. But recently, scientists have uncovered a surprising culprit which may increase cancer growth and help it spread: bacteria. One bacterium in particular, Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), which originates in the oral cavity, has been linked to increased risk of cancers in the mouth and far beyond.

What is F. nucleatum?

F. nucleatum is a cigar-shaped bacteria which is a common resident of the mouth, throat and intestine. While typically harmless, this anaerobic bacteria has been found in higher levels in tumours of the colon, breast, head and neck. This finding has researchers wondering: is F. nucleatum just a bystander in cancer, or does it actively contribute to the disease?

Cancers linked to F. nucleatum

Colorectal cancer: Research has consistently shown a strong association between F. nucleatum and colorectal cancer. In fact, a recent study even identified a specific subtype of F. nucleatum known as Animalis, which is particularly linked to more aggressive forms of colorectal tumours.

Oral cancer: F. nucleatum is commonly found in large quantities within biofilms that coat oral squamous cell carcinomas, indicating a potential involvement in the development of oral cancer.

Breast cancer: The acceleration of tumour growth and the spread of cancer cells (metastasis) in breast cancer cases has also been shown to have a connection with an abundance of F. nucleatum.

How does F. nucleatum promote cancer?

Researchers are still piecing together the exact mechanisms, but several theories suggest how F. nucleatum can contribute to cancer development:

Boosting cell growth: F. nucleatum has the ability to interact with our cells in a way that accelerates their growth and prevents them from undergoing natural cell death processes. This abnormal stimulation of cell growth can contribute to the formation of tumours.

Breast cancer: The acceleration of tumour growth and the spread of cancer cells (metastasis) in breast cancer cases has also been shown to have a connection with an abundance of F. nucleatum.

Causing inflammation: When F. nucleatum is present, it triggers our body to release substances that lead to inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a known factor in cancer development, as it creates an environment that supports the growth and spread of cancerous cells.

Dodging the immune system: The bacterium has the clever ability to deceive our immune system, impairing its effectiveness in recognising and eliminating cancer cells. By evading the immune response, Fusobacterium nucleatum provides an advantage to cancer cells, allowing them to thrive and proliferate.

Assisting in tumour spread: F. nucleatum plays a role in facilitating the spread of cancer cells by aiding in their invasion of nearby tissues. It achieves this by breaking down barriers between cells and promoting the movement of cancer cells to other parts of the body. This capability enhances the aggressiveness and metastatic potential of cancer.

These are just some of the ways F. nucleatum might be working behind the scenes in cancer development. Research is still ongoing, but the link between this bacterium and cancer is becoming increasingly clear.

Is everyone with F. nucleatum at risk of cancer?

Having F. nucleatum doesn’t guarantee you’ll get cancer. Many factors contribute to cancer development, and F. nucleatum might be one piece of the puzzle. Additionally, the exact mechanisms at play are still being explored in ongoing research.

Right now, F. nucleatum isn’t used for routine cancer screening. However, understanding this connection might lead to new diagnostic tools to identify cancers harbouring this bacterium. Additionally, researchers are exploring the possibility of targeting F. nucleatum with antibiotics or developing vaccines to prevent its colonisation in tumours.

What can you do?

While there’s no single action to eliminate cancer risk from F. nucleatum, here are some general steps that can promote good health:

Oral hygiene routine: Maintaining excellent oral hygiene practices like diligent brushing and flossing can help reduce the overall burden of bad bacteria in the mouth.

Regular dental care: Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings to prevent gum disease, a breeding ground for F. nucleatum. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference.

Oral pathogen tests: A few dental clinics now offer advanced oral pathogen screanning and tests to identify specific bacteria in your mouth. These tests can provide more targeted information about your oral health and may help your dentist develop a more personalised treatment plan.

Prioritise preventive care: Regular checkups with your doctor allow for early detection of various cancers, leading to better treatment outcomes.

Embrace a healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, combined with regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight, can significantly reduce your overall cancer risk.

Consider probiotics: Probiotics may help create a more balanced gut microbiome, potentially reducing the growth of harmful bacteria like F. nucleatum.

Healthy habits, healthy you

In light of ongoing research on the connection between F. nucleatum and cancer, the significance of a holistic approach to overall health is clearer than ever. Prioritising good oral hygiene, regular check-ups, a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle helps us build a strong foundation to fight off potential health problems. After all, a healthy body is naturally better at defending itself against health challenges. So, make great oral care habits part of your lifestyle—it’ll help you become a stronger, more resilient version of yourself!

Consider talking to your dentist or doctor about your specific risk factors and how to maintain optimal health.

New studies show gum disease may increase severity of COVID-19

by Dr. Sonny Lee | Oct 15, 2021 | Gum disease, News and Research, Oral Links to General Health, Oral Pathogen & Microbiome, Oral Safety and First Aid, Risk Factors, Signs and Symptoms

Everybody on the planet knows about COVID19. Yet with each day, come new discoveries about this mysterious disease. For many, experiencing COVID19 is no more severe than catching a cold. But for others, they experience far worse outcomes such as respiratory failure and death. The risk for contracting a severe form of COVID19 is higher if you have certain medical conditions including cancer, kidney disease, obesity, type 1/2 diabetes, respiratory conditions, high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as being in an advanced age group. Now, recent new studies reveal that one other health condition may also increase your risk of experiencing severe COVID19 – untreated gum disease and poor oral health.

What is the link between untreated gum disease & COVID19?

German researchers have discovered that when COVID19 patients experienced an inflammatory response leading to respiratory failure, their levels of a pro-inflammatory cytokine called interleukin-6 (IL-6) were elevated. This is the same cytokine implicated in the phrase “cytokine storm” – a term coined to describe the out-of-control immune response occurring in patients with severe COVID19 and other serious auto-immune disorders. People with chronic, untreated gum disease (periodontal disease) experience higher levels of IL-6 as a result of the body’s constant inflammatory response to infected gum tissue. Since elevated levels of IL-6 indicate a strong potential for respiratory complications in COVID19 patients, the authors of the study concluded that treating gum disease and decreasing IL-6 levels may help prevent or reduce severe COVID19 complications.

Earlier British study correlates German findings on IL-6

In June 2020, an English study also found that high IL-6 levels, along with a high oral bacterial load in the mouth, were significant risk factors for severe COVID19 respiratory complications. Their advice: keep good oral hygiene, regular checkups and get gum disease treated!

Treating gum disease to reduce IL-6 levels in the body

The treatment for periodontal disease is quite simple. It is performed by a dentist in a basic dental procedure known as a scale and root planning – a deep dental clean right down to the roots. During this treatment, all oral bacteria are removed above and below the gum line – keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Once gum disease is being properly managed and treated, the body’s inflammatory response winds down along with lower levels of IL-6.

Resources:

Herold, T., Jurinovic, V., Arnreich, C., Lipworth, B. J., Hellmuth, J. C., von Bergwelt-Baildon, M., Klein, M., & Weinberger, T. (2020). Elevated levels of IL-6 and CRP predict the need for mechanical ventilation in COVID-19. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 146(1), 128-136.e4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaci.2020.05.008 Sampson, V., Kamona, N., & Sampson, A. (2020). Could there be a link between oral hygiene and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections? British Dental Journal, 228(12), 971–975. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-020-1747-8 Sampson, V. (2020). Oral hygiene risk factor. British Dental Journal, 228(8), 569. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-020-1545-3

CDBS 2022-2023 Dental Treatment Schedule

by Dr. Sonny Lee | Sep 24, 2021 | Fees and Insurance, News and Research, Oral Health Children

The Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) was introduced back in 2014 to provide financial support for eligible children aged 2-17 years old to receive essential dental services. This benefit covers the cost of preventative and restorative dental treatments up to a maximum cost of $1,000 over a consecutive 2 years period.

70% of eligible children are missing out on $1000 dental treatment

According to the University of Queensland and Telethon Kids Institute research, 70% of children from low income families are either unaware or not using the CDBS. This has impacted on the oral health of Aussie children with approximately 26,000 kids hospitalised annually for mostly preventable dental conditions. With many frontline dentists being sidelined because of Covid-19 restrictions across Australia, 2020 & 2021 has seen a dramatic drop in preventative dental visits. This could result in delayed diagnosis, deferred treatment, and long-term dental disease problems for Australian children (and adults) in years to come. UQ researchers have recommended that timely eligibility reminders and redesigning eligibility letters to look more like vouchers are what are needed – to get the message out.

CDBS service rebates set to increase in 2022-2023

As of 1 January 2022, CDBS will allocate $1,013 for eligible children to spend on dental services over a consecutive 2 year period, while on 1 January 2023 that amount will increase to $1,026. The CDBS covers a wide range of preventative and restorative treatments not including cosmetic dental. They include:

Regular dental exams/check-ups
Clean, polish & scale
Digital x-rays
Fillings
Fissure sealants
Tooth extractions
Root canal treatment

Leeming Dental welcomes CDBS-eligible families

The easiest way to find out if your family is eligible for the CDBS is to call the Medicare General Enquiries line on 132 011 or to access your Medicare my.gov.au account. Another quick indication of eligibility is if you have a current Medicare card. If your children are eligible, simply contact Leeming Dental to schedule a dental appointment. We can examine, assess and recommend suitable treatment options to treat their dental issues. All CDBS treatment is bulk billed so you won’t have to make any out-of-pocket payments. For all CDBS-related enquiries, call our helpful reception on 08 9310 3367 for assistance.

Why are healthy gums so important for a healthy heart

by Dr. Sonny Lee | Mar 5, 2021 | Diagnosis, News and Research, Oral Links to General Health, Risk Factors, Signs and Symptoms

Having a healthy heart largely depends on your lifestyle and diet. If you eat a lot of unhealthy food, don’t exercise, smoke, drink too much alcohol and/or suffer from hypertension, your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is greatly increased. On the other hand, following a healthy diet (high in anti-oxidants) and exercising daily can reduce the risk factors for CVD. But how does oral health count as a risk factor?

The links between gum and heart disease

There is mounting clinical evidence that show gum disease (periodontitis) is strongly linked to a number of cardiovascular diseases, including:

heart disease (coronary artery disease)
heart attack (myocardial infarction)
cerebrovascular disease – affecting blood supply to the brain
stroke (cardioembolic and thrombotic)
peripheral artery (or vascular) disease
atrial fibrillation (heart arrhythmia)
heart failure

Research scientists have discovered that patients with chronic gum disease (periodontitis) have a higher risk for a number of medical conditions associated directly with CVD. These include:

endothelial dysfunction
increased risk of narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
inflammation

Why does gum disease affect cardiovascular health?

Gum disease or periodontitis affects cardiovascular health for a number of possible reasons, most of which involve the pathogenic bacteria (pathogens) associated with gum disease. These pathogens can migrate from the gums to other parts of the body via the body’s nervous system and blood stream. The presence of these pathogens, including the insidious Porphyromonas gingivalis, in your bloodstream can result in a larger build-up of calcium, fats and other materials on your arterial walls. This increase can fast track you towards atherosclerosis – and ultimately CVD. The same pathogens can also generate antibodies that directly affect your cardiovascular system, leading to the onset of CVD. Then there are the continual inflammation events and cytokine storms as a result of a chronic gum infection. These can have an adverse effect on your heart and general health as well.

What oral health practices can help prevent cardiovascular disease?

Maintaining good oral health is essential to lower your risk of heart-related health issues. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day. Use floss or interdental brushes to clean the spaces between your teeth. Last, but not least, visit your dentist twice a year for a check-up, so that any early signs of gum disease or periodontitis can be treated promptly.

Leeming-dental-senior-oral-health-heart-disease-1024x874

The oral bacteria that destroy your brain’s nerve cells

by Dr. Sonny Lee | Jun 26, 2019 | Diagnosis, News and Research, Oral Health Senior, Oral Hygiene Care, Oral Links to General Health, Oral Pathogen & Microbiome, Risk Factors, Signs and Symptoms

Oral Bacteria

Online Booking

Oral Bacteria

Online Booking

The oral bacteria that destroy your brain’s nerve cells

According to a recently published study conducted by the University of Bergen, Norway, certain oral bacteria play a “decisive” role in the development of Alzheimer’s in an individual.

In a news statement released on June 3, 2019, lead researcher Piotr Mydel stated that his team had discovered clear DNA-based proof that gingivitis-causing bacteria can move independently from the oral cavity to brain tissue. The bacteria travel via the close network of blood vessels and nerve fibres that connect the two areas of the head.

Once the oral bacteria are in the brain, they excrete protein and enzyme by-products that can go on to destroy the brain’s nerve cells. When nerve cells of the brain die, the result can be memory loss – and potentially Alzheimer’s.

While there are multi-factor causes of Alzheimer’s, Mydel believes that the presence of these bacteria in the brain significantly heightens your risk of developing the disease and can speed up its progress.

Eliminate P.gingavalis from your body

With clinical evidence mounting, it’s inevitable that P.gingavalis will make it onto the high risk factors list for Alzheimer’s in the future. However, you wouldn’t want this dangerous pathogen to silently wreak havoc in your brain and other parts of your body – at anytime.

While the Norwegian researchers have focused on developing drugs that block the harmful by-products of P.gingavalis, it’s a far better strategy to prevent these bacteria from entering your brain in the first place. The best way to achieve this goal is to maintain a proper oral health care and hygiene routine along with regular dental checkups.

P.Gingavalis – the creepy crawler in the brain

The oral bacteria in question have been identified by the Norwegian research team to Porphyromonas gingivalis – or P.Gingavalis for short. This oral bacterium is one of the main culprits responsible for gum disease, and has been linked to a number of general health conditions, including diabetes, strokes, oral cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The Norwegian study backed up the findings of a similar UK study published in 2014. In this study, English researchers concluded that the same bacteria species and its by-products were responsible for a repeated immune response that caused the death of brain neurons, as well as nerve cells.

Leeming-Dental-oral-bacteria-patient-in-clinic-v2

Leeming-Dental-oral-bacteria-happy-patient-v2

But how can you be sure? It’s easy. To identify and eliminate P.gingavalis & co from your body, all it takes is a simple saliva test right here at Leeming Dental. In fact, we are the ONLY providers of Oral DNA testing in West Australia.

Once we submit your sample, it is tested and an Oral DNA test lab report lists all pathogenic bacteria detected in your saliva. With this crucial information, we are able to customise a 100% effective antibiotic treatment that will eliminate the harmful bacteria present in your body.

Take your oral DNA test at Leeming Dental

For more information or to schedule a consultation, call our friendly, helpful reception at Leeming Dental on 08 9310 3367. In the meantime, brush and floss your teeth daily!

References:

Stephen S. Dominy, Casey Lynch, Florian Ermini, Malgorzata Benedyk, Agata Marczyk, Andrei Konradi, Mai Nguyen, Ursula Haditsch, Debasish Raha, Christina Griffin, Leslie J. Holsinger, Shirin Arastu-Kapur, Samer Kaba, Alexander Lee, Mark I. Ryder, Barbara Potempa, Piotr Mydel, Annelie Hellvard, Karina Adamowicz, Hatice Hasturk, Glenn D. Walker, Eric C. Reynolds, Richard L. M. Faull, Maurice A. Curtis, Mike Dragunow, Jan Potempa. Porphyromonas gingivalis in Alzheimer’s disease brains: Evidence for disease causation and treatment with small-molecule inhibitors. Science Advances, 2019; 5 (1): eaau3333 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau3333

Treatment solutions

Dental Veneers

Emergency Dental

Invisalign

Teeth Whitening

Root Canal

Dental Implants

Crowns & Bridges

Wisdom Teeth

Can oral bacteria cause Alzheimer’s disease?

by Dr. Sonny Lee | Feb 22, 2019 | Diagnosis, Gum disease, News and Research, Oral Health Senior, Oral Links to General Health, Oral Pathogen & Microbiome, Risk Factors, Signs and Symptoms

Can oral bacteria cause Alzheimer’s disease?

Online Booking

Can oral bacteria cause Alzheimer’s disease?

Online Booking

Find out what the UK researchers are saying

If you have poor oral hygiene, you are at a higher risk of a number of oral health issues such as plaque, tartar, tooth decay, cavities and chronic gum disease (periodontal disease). Inadequate oral hygiene opens the door to potentially hundreds of pathogenic oral bacteria to your teeth and gums.

Other health consequences

Oral health issues may be only one of the consequences of allowing pathogenic oral bacteria to develop in your oral cavity. A number of clinical studies in recent years have established links between certain species of oral bacteria and Alzheimer’s disease.

These oral bacteria have the ability to migrate and colonise your brain tissue. The three main culprits identified so far are Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia. Check them out (in order).

These nasty little critters can infiltrate and infect your gums and even your jawbone – like termites in wood. Additionally, these bacteria can travel around your body and enter your brain on a regular basis.

Leeming-Dental-alzheimer's-disease-mother-and-daughter

How might oral bacteria trigger the onset of Alzheimer’s?

More studies need to be conducted to find a causative link between the suspect bacteria and Alzheimer’s disease. However, the UK researchers are working with the theory that if the brain is exposed repeatedly to these oral bacteria and their by-products, the subsequent immune response may result in death of neurons in the brain area associated with memory, as well as nerve cell death.

Only Alzheimer’s patients had the oral bacteria present in their brains

When the UK scientists tested non-Alzheimer’s patients for the bacteria, they discovered that none had the suspect bacteria present in their brain tissue, whereas all of the patients with Alzheimer’s disease did.

How can pathogenic oral bacteria be identified & eliminated from your body?

At present, the diagnosis and treatment of pathogenic oral bacteria can only be performed via an oral bacteria DNA test and anti-biotic treatment. Root planing, a dental treatment used to deep clean between the teeth and gums, is a treatment method that can only remove the plaque and calculus in those areas.

Oral bacteria that can crawl their way into your brain

In 2014, UK scientists were first able to identify the presence of the three oral bacteria (listed above) in the brain tissue of living Alzheimer’s patients. The researchers established that at least two of the bacteria – once firmly established in the oral cavity – had the ability and versatility to enter the brain via two different pathways.

The first pathway was via the bloodstream where they could attach to red blood cells, and travel directly into the brain – where they get off because there are no immune checkpoints. What this means for patients with bleeding gums, is that every time they brush their teeth or eat food, a fresh influx of bacteria can enter the bloodstream and reach the brain in a matter of seconds.

The second pathway came as a surprise to the UK researchers. Since the bacteria are motile (capable of motion), they were able to “crawl” their way to the brain via the nerves that connect tooth roots to the brain – a short distance of a several centimetres.

References:

Singhrao, S. K., Harding, A., Poole, S., Kesavalu, L., & Crean, S. (2015). Porphyromonas gingivalis Periodontal Infection and Its Putative Links with Alzheimer’s Disease. Mediators of inflammation, 2015, 137357.

Poole, S., Singhrao, S. K., & Crean, S. J. (2014). Emerging evidence for associations between periodontitis and the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Faculty Dental Journal, 5(1), 38-42. doi:10.1308/204268514×13859766312719

Treatment solutions

Dental Veneers

Emergency Dental

Invisalign

Teeth Whitening

Root Canal

Dental Implants

Crowns & Bridges

Wisdom Teeth