Neglecting a key part of your morning routine may increase your risk of cancer, a new study has found.

American scientists have found that failing to maintain proper oral hygiene can increase the risk of two specific types of cancer. Moreover, ignoring this task can also increase the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.

The cancers in question are squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, which are linked to bacteria in the mouth that also cause gum disease.

Professor Richard Hayes, a study author from New York University (NYU), highlighted the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene to reduce cancer risks.

“Our results provide yet another reason to maintain good oral hygiene habits,” Hayes said. “Brushing and flossing may help prevent not only periodontal disease, but also head and neck cancer.” Could.”

According to GLOBOCAN 2020, there will be 2.1 million new cancer cases in India by 2040, an increase of 57.5% from 2020. India has the highest number of oral cavity cancer patients in the world. This is due to the widespread use of tobacco in the country, which accounts for 80 to 90% of total oral cancers.

Symptoms of head and neck cancer depend on its location and stage. Common symptoms include swelling or lump, pain, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, persistent sore throat, ear pain, trouble breathing, unexplained weight loss, bleeding, and numbness.

One challenge with head and neck cancer is that its symptoms are often subtle, meaning the disease is usually detected in the later stages, making it harder to treat.

Macmillan Cancer Support explains that around 90% of head and neck cancers begin in the squamous cells that line the mouth, nose and throat.

The study, published in JAMA Oncology, tracked more than 160,000 people in the US and examined their diet, lifestyle and oral health. Participants provided saliva samples, which were tested for microbial content.

After 15 years of follow-up, 236 participants were diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Their oral microbiome DNA was then compared with that of 458 participants who did not develop cancer.

The findings revealed 13 types of bacteria associated with an increased risk of cancer, some of which increased the risk by as much as 50%.

The study’s co-authors said identifying these bacteria is an important step toward understanding how they contribute to disease and developing strategies to intervene.