Gum Disease and Cancer

Practicing good oral hygiene isn't just for your teeth! Bad dental health has been connected to poor overall health, and gum disease specifically has been related to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer's. Unfortunately, gum disease has also been linked to cancer.

Gum Disease & Cancer

There have been a few recent studies that have verified a connection between cancer and gum disease. Below are the details of the studies:

1. August 2017 – A study of around 66,000 women discovered that the women who had a history of gum disease were at a higher risk for cancer of the lungs, gall bladder, esophagus, melanoma, and breast cancer. 
2. Early 2018 – A study performed in Finland suggested that the same bacteria that cause gum disease and periodontitis may also be the cause of some cancers, specifically pancreatic. 

Preventing Gum Disease

While no study has conclusively linked gum disease to cancer, it's still the best idea to do what you can to avoid gum disease altogether. Gingivitis and gum disease are preventable through proper oral hygiene. Below are a few ways to improve your gum health:

• Brush your teeth and gums twice per day
• Floss your teeth at least once a day
• Rinse your mouth with ADA approved mouthwash regularly
• Drink plenty of water and avoid dry mouth
• Visit your general dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and a checkup 

As a link between dental health and non-dental diseases continues to grow, we recommend reevaluating your current oral hygiene routine and making improvements where you can.

Here at Syrpes & Pangborn, we emphasize the importance of root canal therapy to save your natural teeth. To learn more, or if you need endodontic care, please contact Syrpes & Pangborn in Centennial, Colorado.