Pancreatic Cancer: Gum disease attacks more than just the mouth

It is estimated that more than 70 percent of the adult U.S. population has some form of gum (periodontal) disease, which has been linked to stroke, diabetes, and other serious ailments.  Therefore, we highly recommend maintaining your oral health through good oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing of the teeth and regular dental check-ups, because this is essential to sustaining overall good health.

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the tissues that support the teeth. It attacks the tissues just below the gum line, and can eventually cause bone loss around the base of the teeth.  Having periodontal disease-causing bacteria in the mouth may increase the likelihood of inflammation.  It is thought that chronic inflammation, which has long been associated with the development of cancer, may be the connection between specific types of cancers and periodontal disease.  Gingivitis, a precursor of periodontitis, is simply inflammation of the gums and is not harmful unless left untreated.  At ConfiDental we identify severe cases of gingivitis and periodontitis, and offer treatments like deep teeth cleaning to stop it in its tracks. Together with your good oral hygiene practices, you can avoid some major, even life-threatening assaults on your health.

Early diagnosis is often the key to successful treatment of most health problems like diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and pulmonary disease, among others.  Interestingly, early markers of many diseases are exhibited in the mouth and gums months or even years before they are detected through various medical tests.  Many of these conditions have been linked to periodontal disease, and now several studies conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health and others are showing a link between periodontal disease and pancreatic cancer.