Apart from baby teeth, humans only get one set of natural permanent teeth for life so it’s vital to keep them in top condition as long as possible.
One fact many people don’t know: gum health is directly linked to tooth health. If your gums aren’t healthy, your teeth won’t be either.
What is periodontal disease or periodontitis?
Periodontal disease is one of the most common oral conditions second only to cavities worldwide.
It progresses in two stages. The first is gingivitis, which can usually be reversed with a professional dental cleaning and improvements in daily oral hygiene.
The second stage is periodontitis, a chronic gum infection. Without timely care, it extends beyond the gums to the ligaments and bone that support the teeth, and can ultimately lead to tooth loss.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
Periodontitis is a progressive condition that often doesn’t hurt, even in advanced stages. Signs can be subtle, but there are clear warning flags:
- Swollen or puffy gums.
- Bright red, dark red, or purplish gums.
- Tender gums.
- Gums that bleed easily.
- Bad breath.
- Pus between teeth and gums.
Consequences of untreated periodontitis
Periodontal disease is linked to several serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. A newer line of research also warns that people with periodontitis face a higher risk of lung and colon cancer.
How are periodontitis and cancer associated?
The association appears to stem from the persistently elevated inflammatory mediators produced in response to the bacterial challenge present in advanced periodontitis.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute the largest to date using dental records to quantify periodontal disease before a cancer diagnosis followed 7,466 women and men from the late 1990s through 2012, documenting 1,648 new cancer cases.
Findings: Compared with people who had no periodontitis or only mild disease at baseline, those with advanced periodontitis had a 24% higher risk of developing cancer. Among participants who had lost teeth (a sign of advanced periodontitis), the probability of developing a tumor rose to 28%.
Which types of cancer have an increased risk in cases of advanced periodontitis?
According to the study, the likelihood of developing lung and colon cancer is roughly doubled in people with advanced periodontal disease, compared with other cancer types.
While smoking increases the chances of both periodontitis and lung/colon cancer, the elevated risk isn’t solely explained by tobacco: participants who never smoked showed similar risk increases for these cancers.
So, does periodontitis cause cancer?
No. Current evidence supports an association, not a cause-and-effect relationship.
Even so, advanced periodontal disease is consistently linked with serious systemic conditions. That’s why it’s essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene and see a dentist when disease is still at the gingivitis stage when it’s far easier to treat.
This article summarizes a study associating periodontitis with a higher risk of certain cancers. It is informational only. Preventive gum care is a key part of overall health, and only a professional evaluation can diagnose and treat periodontal disease.
Protect your gum health as part of your whole-body health. For a professional evaluation of your oral status, book an appointment by WhatsApp, phone, or our contact form our assistant will help coordinate your visit.
