A study completed by the Federal University of Santa Maria Dental School in Brazil found that Women with periodontitis are 2-3x more likely to develop breast cancer. It has been speculated that gum disease could be linked to breast cancer and researchers of this study believe this may show that breast cancer can be triggered due to systemic inflammation originating in infected gums. This study shows the interesting correlation between your dental and overall health.
The study was based on 67 women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and 134 controls that were selected over the course of 2013-2015. It is important to remember that this study does not mean that gum disease causes breast cancer, but it is an important study as we continue to find new ways of fighting cancer and learning what may cause certain kinds to develop.
In the United States, for every 100,000 women, there are 124.9 new cases of breast cancer. Breast cancer continues to be studied, and a possible connection to dental health issues would be a new opportunity to learn and treat this form of cancer.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), over 47% of individuals, 30 years and older, have some form of periodontal disease, and this percentage only increases with age. For individuals 65 and older, 70% of them experience gum disease. The best way to prevent gum disease is through proper dental hygiene, which includes brushing and flossing twice per day, and scheduling routine visits to the dentist.
If you have any questions or concerns about your gums, be sure to schedule an appointment with us today. Gum disease affects thousands of people each year and, if you can spot it early enough, it’s much simpler to treat.