Why having bad teeth could actually be good for you: People with a lot of cavities are a third LESS likely to develop mouth or throat cancer

  • Bacteria in the mouth produce lactic acid and it's thought this prevents cancer cells from developing
  • Findings were unexpected as dental cavities have long been considered a sign of poor oral health

By Emma Innes

Published: 08:08 EST, 13 September 2013 | Updated: 10:43 EST, 13 September 2013

Adults who have a lot of cavities in their teeth are less likely to get mouth or throat cancer, a study has suggested.

The researchers believe that this is because the lactic acid produced by bacteria in cavities can actually prevent cancer cells from developing.

People with a lot of cavities are thought to be about 32 per cent less likely to develop mouth or throat cancer than those with no cavities.

Adults who have a lot of cavities in their teeth are less likely to get mouth or throat cancer, new research shows

Adults who have lots of cavities in their teeth are less likely to get mouth or throat cancer, research shows

‘This was an unexpected finding since dental cavities have been considered a sign of poor oral health along with [gum] disease, and we had previously observed an increased risk of head and neck cancers among subjects with [gum] disease,’ lead researcher Dr Mine Tezal, at the University of Buffalo, New York, told Health Day.

To conduct the research, the team studied 399 people with head and neck cancer.

They compared these people to 221 people who did not have cancer.

They discovered that the participants who had the most dental cavities were the least likely to also have cancer.

Dr Tezal explained that cavities result from lactic acid which is produced by bacteria in the mouth.

These bacteria are similar to those used in yoghurt and are also associated with a reduced chance of inflammatory diseases, allergies and some other types of cancer.

Lactic acid produced by bacteria in cavities can prevent cancer cells developing

The lactic acid produced by bacteria in cavities can prevent cancer cells developing

Dr Tezal believes that the next step for the team is to discover whether it is possible to find a way of harnessing the beneficial effects of the acid without allowing it to cause cavities.

‘We see a mechanism that may protect against mouth cancer, and may be a potential strategy either as part of prevention or treatment of oral cavity cancer,’ Dr Dennis Kraus at Lenox Hill Hospital, in New York City, told Health Day.

‘This is a fascinating first step,’ he added.

However, other experts, such as Dr Joel Epstein at the American Board of Oral Medicine, have said that this study was flawed as it only involved a small group of people and it only looked at existing cavities.