Gum - Periodontal Disease Creates a Risk for Many Cancers

Oral hygiene matters for protecting teeth and preventing gum disease. New findings show that brushing, flossing and regular dental checks offer benefits far beyond a healthy smile. Strong supporting data were shared in a large study recently completed in America. It claims that postmenopausal women with periodontal disease history have an increased overall cancer risk, particularly for breast, esophageal, lung, gallbladder and skin cancer (melanoma).

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal diseaseis a chronic inflammatory disease affecting gum tissue and the bone supporting teeth. Untreated, it can also cause tooth loss. More common worldwide and in our country than thought, it affects United States adults aged 30 and older at a rate of %47, rising among those aged 65 and older to %70.

Increases Overall Cancer Risk by %14

The study followed 66 thousand postmenopausal women for approximately eight and a half years, finding that periodontal disease history was associated with a %14 increase in overall cancer risk. Among 34 thousand never-smokers, periodontal disease similarly increased overall cancer risk by %12.

According to the Study Results;

• In the study, breast cancer risk increased %13, lung cancer %31, esophageal cancer 3-fold, gallbladder cancer %73 and skin melanoma risk %23, showing a distinct relationship between periodontal disease and site-specific cancers.
• The study found a borderline association with stomach cancer but, interestingly, no significantly increased risk association with cancers in and around the mouth (oral cavity, lips, throat). Similarly, no association was found with pancreatic, liver, intestinal, urinary or genital cancers.

Earlier studies had shown periodontal disease to be a risk factor for breast, oral and esophageal cancers. This study also interestingly showed that the relationship between periodontal disease and cancer risk persisted independently of smoking. Nevertheless, smoking and tobacco must be remembered as the most important causes of oral cancers.

Periodontal disease is preventable, manageable and treatable in many cases. Merely paying attention to oral hygiene may help prevent many systemic diseases, including cancer. Acquiring oral care habits early is important for establishing and maintaining them. Please show the necessary care for both ourselves and our children.

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