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Like we’ve mentioned in past blogs, countless studies have proven that oral health isn’t just important for a dazzling smile. Exceptional oral health is also related to overall health, wellness, and quality of life. In fact, our dental implant patients here in Fountain Valley, CA know just how important a complete smile is for their health and self-confidence.
Overall health concerns such as diabetes and heart disease have been linked to periodontal disease and other dental health issues. With this in mind, it’s not surprising that oral health has also been linked to several types of cancer. Although the connection between these two categories of health may seem far-fetched, researchers believe that oral health could be another risk factor to consider when it comes to the development of cancer. To explain more about this subject, dental implant provider, Dr. Mortensen gives his readers an in-depth look at how oral health relates to several types of cancer.
Is Oral Health a Cancer Risk?
In case you needed another reason to follow a strict oral hygiene routine, break out your toothbrush because keeping a healthy smile can also help your overall health! This isn’t the first time that oral health has been linked to overall wellness. Plenty of studies have showed that oral health is a risk factor to consider for systemic diseases and conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and diabetes. Most researchers believe that these conditions develop due to inflammation of the body and bacteria entering the bloodstream through the mouth.
Although researchers can’t quite pinpoint the exact relationship between oral health and the development of cancer, there are numerous studies that show that this is definitely an area of health to consider when it comes to cancer.
So, what research supports the connection between oral health and the development of cancer?
One of the many notable studies comes from Harvard School of Public Health. This recent study analyzed more than 51,000 male subjects over the span of 16 years. Researchers looked at several factors such as age, smoking history, diet, and obesity to learn how oral health is connected to pancreatic cancer. After analyzing the data from their subjects, researchers found that men with a history of gum disease had a 64% increased risk of pancreatic cancer compared to men without a history of gum disease. As with other overall health conditions, researchers from this study believe that gum inflammation triggers inflammation throughout the entire body, which can promote the growth of cancer.
Poor oral health has also been linked to several types of mouth and throat cancers. A study published in the journal, Cancer Prevention Research, found that 3,400 adults in the U.S who rated their oral health as “poor to fair” were more likely to have an oral infection, which can eventually lead to cancer. This same study found that 10% of those with gum disease tested positive for oral HPV. The study factored in other risk factors for HPV, including tobacco use, but poor oral health was still linked to a 56% increased risk of having oral HPV.
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It’s clear to see that oral health is important for overall health and wellness. If you’re currently dealing with tooth loss, leaving this issue untreated will continue to worsen your oral health over time. As we’ve mentioned before, this won’t just affect the health and look of your smile but it can ultimately have an effect on your overall health. To avoid complications and worsening oral health, we recommend looking into restorative treatment as soon as possible. Dental implants are an excellent option for many of our patients here in Fountain Valley. To learn more about how dental implants can transform your smile, browse around our educational infosite. To get started on your dental implant treatment today, contact our office to schedule your no-obligation consultation with Dr. Mortensen.