NEW YORK, March 29: It’s not just tooth decay that could be a concern when consuming sugary drinks: new research indicates that these sweetened beverages might also raise the risk of oral cancer. A study conducted by researchers from the University of Washington found a strong association between sugary drink consumption and an increased likelihood of developing oral cancer.

The study analyzed the dietary habits of 162,602 women from a public health database, tracking their health records over a span of 30 years. During this period, 124 of the women developed oral cancer. Researchers found that women who consumed one or more sugary drinks daily were 4.87 times more likely to develop oral cancer compared to women who drank less than one sugary beverage per month.

For those who refrained from smoking and drinking alcohol but consumed sugary drinks daily, the risk was even higher. These women had a 5.46 times greater chance of developing oral cancer compared to those who consumed sugary drinks less frequently.

The researchers note that the incidence of oral cavity cancer (OCC) is rising among non-smokers and young individuals without traditional risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. They wrote, “High sugar-sweetened beverage intake was associated with a significantly increased risk of OCC in women, regardless of smoking or drinking habits, yet with low baseline risk."

While this study doesn’t prove direct causality—other factors may play a role—it strongly suggests a link between sugary drink consumption and oral cancer risk. Oral cancer has traditionally been associated with smoking, heavy drinking, and HPV infection, but the increasing number of cases among those without these traditional risk factors raises concerns.

One potential explanation is the shift in dietary habits. Many people now regularly consume unhealthy foods that could be triggering long-term inflammatory responses from the immune system. The study's authors suggest that a "Western dietary pattern," characterized by high consumption of processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars, could be a contributing factor.

"Our hypothesis is that diets with higher added sugar may contribute to chronic inflammation, which may, in turn, contribute to the risk of OCC," the researchers noted.

However, there are some limitations to the study, such as the focus on women only and the relatively small number of cancer cases. The researchers emphasize the need for further research to better understand this potential link and encourage more data collection.

Despite the limitations, the study adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting the health dangers of sugary drinks. While their link to obesity and other health conditions is well-known, this research suggests that sugary drinks could also have a significant impact on oral health.

Epidemiologist Raúl Zamora Ros, from the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO) in Spain, praised the quality of the study. "The methodology and quality of the study are excellent, and the data has been analyzed in great detail," he said. "More studies are needed to confirm these associations and also to assess whether soft drinks with artificial sweeteners would be just as harmful, as many people substitute one for the other."

As we continue to uncover more about the long-term health impacts of sugary drinks, it serves as an important reminder to be mindful of what we consume.