Researchers at Duke Medical School studying cancer mutations find that Colibactin, produced by the bacteria Escherichia coli, appear to trigger DNA mutation.
Escherichia coli, normally found in the colon, also appeared in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma and other dental infections.
The study performed found that patients with non-inherited colorectal polyps showed similar mutation characteristics as Colibactin which suggest the toxin’s involvement in the formation of the polyps.
The link led researchers to suggest that regularly brushing your teeth can prevent bacterial infections that lead to Colibactin.
See the full study here.