Gum Disease and Missing Teeth Could Raise Women's Risk for Breast Cancer

[Cary Feuerman, DMD]

The British Dental Health Foundation released a rather shocking report that may cause many women to step up their oral hygiene routine. The report, released on February 11, 2011, states that women with gum disease and or missing teeth may be up to 11 times more likely to develop breast cancer.

Sweden's Karolinska Institute studied over three thousand patients, ending with 41 women developing cancer. The women with gum disease and tooth loss were found to be 11 times more likely to develop cancer. This study is said to be the first to examine the relationship between gum disease, tooth loss and cancer. More studies will be necessary in order to fully explain the link, if any, between gum disease, tooth loss, and cancer.

Gum disease is continually popping up in the news as a link or result of serious health concerns. Diabetes, preterm birth, and heart disease are only a few conditions related to this preventable disease.

 

Source:  About.com