Young people have been warned not to skip a vital part of their morning routine which could help prevent cancer.
According to new research, Generation X and Millennials in the States have a significantly higher risk of developing 17 cancers compared to older generations.
The study found that keeping up with one part of your morning and nighttime routine could drastically reduce your risk of developing head and neck cancer later down the line.
New research
Now, research throughout the years has shown that high levels of bacteria linked to gum disease can increase the chances of developing the condition.
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Not only that, but it can also have a knock-on effect with diabetes and high blood pressure.
So, the new research conducted by American Cancer Society (ACS) helped experts specify the type of bacteria lurking in people's mouth which could be linked to head and neck cancer.
The importance of oral hygiene
This means that, according to the study, doing the absolutely bare minimum when it comes to oral maintenance (like regularly brushing and flossing your teeth) could slash your risk of developing the disease.
While that may sound simple, surveys found that only three in 10 Brits floss on a daily basis - clearly missing out such a vital step in their daily routine.
Study co-author and an expert in population health at New York University (NYU), Professor Richard Hayes, said: "Our results offer yet another reason to keep up good oral-hygiene habits.
"Brushing your teeth and flossing may not only help prevent periodontal disease, but also may protect against head and neck cancer."
How is oral hygiene and cancer linked?
Study lead author, Soyoung Kwak, a postdoctoral fellow in population health at NYU, added: "Our findings offer new insight into the relationship between the oral microbiome and head and neck cancers.
"These bacteria may serve as biomarkers for experts to flag those at high risk."
It's important to note that the study does not establish a direct link between bacteria and cancer but, instead, points to a correlation between the two.
"Now that we have identified key bacteria that may contribute to this disease, we next plan to explore the mechanisms that allow them to do so and in what ways we can best intervene," the study co-author and associate director for population research at its Perlmutter Cancer Center said.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
Rhiannon Ingle