Two new studies have linked gum disease to increased risks for cancer. The first, conducted in part with the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study, found that postmenopausal women with advanced gum disease were more likely to develop breast cancer, even when other risk factors were accounted for. The second, conducted in part by researchers from the University of Louisville in Kentucky and Henan University of Science and Technology in Luoyang, China, found the presence of bacteria linked to gum disease in 61% of tissue samples collected from patients with esophageal cancer. These studies add to the growing body of research linking advanced gum disease to a host of deadly systemic diseases and illnesses, and give one more reason to take steps to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Preventing Gum Disease
The most effective way to prevent gum disease is to have a solid daily oral health routine. This should consist of brushing after every meal and snack, and flossing both morning and night. Of course, these steps cannot always fully prevent issues, which is why biannual visits to our Mesa office are so important.
During your office visits, we will remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line, helping reduce both inflammation and risks for disease. These visits also allow us to detect early signs of gum disease and to provide swift treatment that helps prevent larger problems from occurring.
If you are overdue for a visit to the dentist or if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease, please contact Dr. Scott T. LeSueur and Dr. Charles A. Dodaro to schedule an appointment right away. Located in Mesa, we welcome patients from Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and all surrounding areas of Arizona.