We would like to take a moment and talk about a very important issue we feel all out patients must be aware of. This information might save your life of the life of your loved ones. There has been studies linking oral health with breast cancer, more specifically, missing teeth and gum disease.
It’s very important to know that breast cancer risk factors can include both controllable and uncontrollable factors. A woman’s age, family history and ethnicity are all considered uncontrollable risk factors. Controllable risk factors include post-menopausal weight gain, a sedentary lifestyle and heavy alcohol intake.
As it turns out, the researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden carried out a study with the help of over 3,000 patients. Their breast cancer incidence was registered from 1985 to 2001 according to the WHO International Classification of Diseases criteria. They discovered an alarming predisposition for breast cancer from women who had gum disease and/or missing teeth… turning them 11 times more likely to develop breast cancer compared with women with healthy full teeth.
More research is certainly needed, but it wouldn’t be the first time gum disease affects the health of other part of the human body. Plaque build up and gum disease has already been shown to provoke all kinds of problems like heart disease, prostate inflammation and more. The bacteria affecting the gums and teeth seems to keep our immune system working over time. Scientists are still investigating how could this lead to such high incidence rate for Breast Cancer.
If you are reading our site it means that you already need work done on your mouth because you might have lost your teeth to cavities, age or gum disease. We feel is indispensable to suggest you to check yourself up as soon as possible and if you know any other woman with oral health problems, strongly advise her to get herself checked too. Remember 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer during her life time… and an early detection of breast cancer gives you a high rate survival prognosis. Early detection is still the key to combat breast cancer. Our priority will always be the health of our patients. We want you and your loved ones to keep enjoying your smile for years to come.