Pancreatic Cancer’s Link to Periodontal Disease

Another reason to see your dental professionals regularly: Researchers continue to see a relationship between gum (periodontal) disease and other systemic (affecting the entire body) conditions.

In this case it’s a heightened risk of developing pancreatic carcinoma. In one recent study from Hebrew University-Hadassah’s Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, researchers tracked P. gingivalis, a bacterium linked to periodontal disease, from the mouth, as administered to mice. Results saw the bacterium migrating from the oral cavity to the pancreas in the mice.

Florida’s Advanced Cancer Treatment Centers (ACTC) discuss a “heightened probability” of getting pancreatic cancer for those individuals with periodontal disease. They go so far as to say that individuals with an excessive presence of P. gingivalis in their mouths may have a 59% higher chance of succumbing to pancreatic carcinoma.

The Hirschberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research offers some disquieting statistics regarding pancreatic cancer in this country:

• Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers
• The 5-year survival rate is 13%
• The incidence rate for this type of cancer has increased by approximately 1% each year since the late 1990s

We Can Help!

At South Florida Center for Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we continually remind our patients how twice daily brushing, daily flossing and regular visits to their dental practitioners for professional cleaning can help you avoid gum disease.

There’s also a strong link between smoking and gum disease. Smokers could have up to 5x more of a chance of having moderate-to-severe periodontitis. If you smoke (or vape, or chew tobacco) quitting can help you avoid gum disease.

If you have been diagnosed with gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease, special “under the gum” cleaning by our periodontal hygienists may be enough to reverse the infection. Once gum disease has progressed, we can treat it and help you manage the disease so it doesn’t progress.

Special cleanings, antibiotic therapies, laser treatments, gum and bone grafting and other regenerative procedures may be suggested. Call us for an appointment at 561-912-9993 to address gum disease today! Referrals are always welcomed but not required.