Is Gum Disease Linked to Breast Cancer?

With October officially designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we thought it a good time to remind you that women with gum (periodontal) disease could be at a greater risk of developing cancers like breast cancer.

In Nature, one study example noted a significant relationship between gingival index (severity of gum inflammation) and breast cancer. Additionally, the American Association for Cancer Research notes that “the biological mechanisms that connect periodontal disease and cancer are not yet fully understood,” but that “one possible explanation is that oral pathogens could potentially be carried in saliva and dental plaque, or through diseased periodontal tissues into the blood circulation to reach other body sites and contribute to carcinogenesis.”

Breast Cancer Stats in the U.S.

Breast cancer is the 2^nd leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer. According to the Susan G. Komen organization, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, a staggering number that equates to one person every two minutes. The average age of U.S. women diagnosed with breast cancer is 62.

Signs of Gum Disease

When bacteria (plaque) are allowed to build up on, around, or between your teeth and gums (often due to poor hygiene or smoking habits) your gums can become inflamed. As many as 85% of Americans could exhibit a form of gum disease and not know it because they haven’t visited a dental professional. Sometimes early symptoms are so mild that that people don’t notice until the gum disease has progressed.

Perhaps you spot a bit of blood when brushing or flossing. That’s one sign of gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease. Other signs of gum disease can include:

• bad breath that doesn’t seem related to anything else
• receding gums
• soreness when you chew
• gums that look too red or purplish
• experiencing discomfort when eating hot or cold foods

If we can catch your gum disease early enough, it’s reversible. More advanced cases of gum disease (periodontitis) aren’t reversible but can be usually managed with improved at-home dental maintenance, along with regular deep periodontal cleanings that can keep gum disease from getting worse. If required, minimally invasive additional steps, like our advanced LANAP® laser treatment, targets gum disease and even promotes bone and tissue regeneration.

Target Gum Disease Today

Catching gum disease early, not smoking and taking good care of yourself via exercise and a healthy diet can help your teeth and gums and, as shown here, may even help you control some of the risk factors that could lead to adverse health issues like cancer.  Contact us at 561-912-9993 for a consultation—no referral is needed.