Tooth loss linked to pancreatic cancer in smokers NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - In smokers, tooth loss is directly related to the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, according to the results of a study of male smokers. The risk of developing pancreatic cancer was 63% higher in smokers who had lost all their teeth, compared with those who had lost fewer than 10 teeth, researchers report in the July issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Tooth loss may not cause pancreatic cancer; it could simply be a marker for some other factor that leads to the malignancy, lead author Dr. Rachel Z. Stolzenberg-Solomon, from the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, told Reuters Health. For example, she said, tooth loss could simply be a marker for an unhealthy lifestyle. Alternatively, Dr. Stolzenberg-Solomon said that smokers who have lost all their teeth may have higher oral levels of bacteria, which, in turn, leads to higher gastrointestinal levels. "There is a hypothesis that connects bacterial load with pancreatic cancer," Dr. Stolzenberg-Solomon said. "Bacteria in the stomach convert nitrates and nitrites into nitrosamines," well known carcinogens. The investigators examined the medical records of 29,104 male smokers, between 50 and 69 years of age at baseline. The men, who were followed from 1985 to 1997, were asked about their dental health at the beginning of the study. By the end of the study, 174 men had developed pancreatic cancer, the researchers report. After adjusting for age, education, and rural versus urban residence, the researchers found that men were 63% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer if they had lost all their teeth (p = 0.02). Tooth loss was not significantly tied to Helicobacter pylori seropositivity. The findings underscore the importance of good dental hygiene, Dr. Stolzenberg-Solomon said. Previous reports have shown regular use of dental floss and toothpaste is associated with a reduced risk of oral and esophageal cancers, she added. Thanks to Cancersource.com and Reuters Health Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.