Women with Gum Disease at Greater Risk for Breast Cancer?

 The answer is, YES. A recent study found a link between periodontal (gum) disease and a 14% increase in cancer among older women, and a 12% increase in women that have never smoked.

The study followed more than 73,000 post-menopausal women enrolled in the ongoing Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study.  

Periodontal disease is linked to a 14% increase in breast cancer. Smoking history has been known to cause oral cancers and worsen the effects of gum disease. For women that have quit in the last 20 years, women with gum disease had a 36% higher risk of breast cancer than those without gum disease. 

Gum disease has also been linked to an increase in melanoma, oral, head and neck, gallbladder, lung, pancreatic and stomach cancers.

Periodontal pathogens have been found in pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions. Although, the exact reason isn’t known, researchers believe that the bacteria may spread through inhalation or saliva when you swallow, and bacteria entering the bloodstream through inflamed periodontal tissues/pockets.

 Dr. Mayo stated that the oral cavity is a mirror reflecting the overall health of the host/body.Therefore, it should not be overlooked when evaluating overall health. We have known that periodontal disease leads to tooth loss, but now the research supports Dr. Mayo's inference that the entire body's health is at risk when periodontal disease is left untreated. The aggressive pathogens found in periodontal disease are associated with inflammatory disease that then leads to systemic disease.

The good news is that periodontal disease is both preventable and manageable, so rather than avoiding the dentist and the hygienist you should be running to your next appointment to help protect your body/life from the devastating affects periodontal infections. 

Another benefit of your regular dental visits is the oral cancer screening that is provided. This is of particular importance because the occurrence of oral cancer is on the rise. And of these HPV related oraphyrangeal  cancers are the biggest culprit contributing the rise in oral cancers.

Over 49,000 people in the United States are affected by oral cancer each year, and one in four of these people had no risk factors when diagnosed. These statistics are alarming but can be improved simply by prevention and early detection. Through lifestyle changes and annual screenings, you have the power to decrease your chances of getting oral cancer.

So, run don't walk to your next dental visit, you may just be saving your life!