Is There a Relation Between Cancer & Periodontal Disease?
 
 
Research supports that chronic periodontal disease can increase the risk of head and neck cancer. The research notes that people with head and neck cancer were more likely to have had chronic periodontitis. Studies have also shown positive associations between tooth loss/periodontitis and pancreatic cancer. Ref. Oxford Journal JNCI Journal of National Cancer Institute

In advanced stages of gum disease there is loss of soft tissue and bone due to infection. It was noted as well that with each millimeter loss of bone there was a one to four times increase in risk of head or neck cancer. Occurrence has been highest in the mouth, next in the oropharynx, and the third highest level of cancer was in the larynx.

Increased awareness about the hazards associated with smoking has lead to a decrease in Oral Cancer cases caused by use of tobacco-however oral cancer is on the rise which suggests that there are other contributing factors. It has been shown that with each millimeter of bone loss due to gum disease there's much higher likelihood of contracting head or neck cancer. Prevention of bone loss is a key measure in treating gum disease. At Brentwood Smile we use Laser Periodontal Therapy, among other techniques, to effectively treat this condition with a non-surgical approach. 

Contact us for your periodontal evaluation today.

 

Our office is conveniently located in Brentwood, California-providing sedation, cosmetic and Implant dentistry to West Los Angeles, Westwood, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.