Remember how, at Parker Dentistry Facial Rejuvenation and Wellness, we always talk about how your oral health affects your overall health? Well, a recent study discovered that there is actually a link between certain types of cancer and periodontal disease. “Researchers from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Kimmel Cancer Center in Baltimore used data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, which included comprehensive dental exams from 7466 participants from Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, and North Carolina. Researchers followed the subjects from the late 1990s until 2012. During the follow-up period, the data revealed the diagnosis of 1648 new cancer cases.

Let’s backtrack a little first and talk about what periodontal disease is and how you get it.

Bacteria in dental plaque can cause periodontal disease. “Interestingly, it is your body's response to the bacterial infection that causes most of the problems. In an effort to eliminate the bacteria, the cells of your immune system release substances that cause inflammation and destruction of the gums, periodontal ligament, or alveolar bone. This leads to swollen, bleeding gums, signs of gingivitis (the earliest stage of periodontal disease), and loosening of the teeth, a sign of severe periodontitis (the advanced stage of disease).”

When your oral hygiene routine is subpar and you don’t keep up with your biannual teeth cleanings, your risk of developing periodontal disease is very high. Smoking, misaligned teeth, grinding, stress, certain medications, certain types of chronic illnesses, and genetics all contribute to your risk factors. Researchers have also linked this preventable disease to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and respiratory disease.

Not only can periodontal disease lead to tooth loss, heart disease, and stroke, but it also increases the risk of developing cancer. The study found that there was a significant increase in the risk of developing lung and colon cancer, in particular in patients who also suffered from severe periodontal disease. Some aspects of our health are out of our control, but fortunately, a great deal is within our control, and your oral hygiene and health are definitely one of those things.

If you find that your gums are bleeding when you brush or floss, talk to Dr. Karen or Dr. Blake during your next visit, as this is an early sign of periodontal disease. It is far easier to prevent a disease than it is to cure one. Preventative healthcare is the best way to protect your health and well-being, and by preventing periodontal disease, you are helping to prevent a lot of other diseases in the future.