Is Periodontal Disease Linked to Pancreatic Cancer?

Periodontal disease has recently been linked to several other illnesses such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, lung infections, dementia, HIV, and impotence in men. The link between oral health and systemic health is continuously being proven again and again. That means if you are suffering from periodontal disease you are at risk that it will aggravate, exacerbate, rebirth, or cause other illnesses throughout your body. Periodontal disease is most often due to poor oral hygiene and it doesn’t take much to maintain good dental health. You may want to tend to that rather soon because periodontal disease has also been linked to pancreatic cancer.

The Link

A 2007 Harvard research study was the very first time a link had been discovered between severe periodontal disease and pancreatic cancer. Twenty years worth of data had been collected from 51,000 men. The data showed that 64 percent of men who suffered with periodontal disease developed pancreatic cancer. Those with an increased severity of periodontitis showed the greatest risk. Although research has not proven that periodontitis causes pancreatic cancer, the high percentage of people with pancreatic cancer who also present with periodontal disease shows a strong correlation.

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer is a major cause of death among cancers and is known to spread rapidly. Your pancreas is located behind the lower part of your stomach. It aids in digestion and also helps to regulate your body’s glucose levels. Unfortunately, the symptoms of pancreatic cancer don’t often appear until the disease is too far advanced to be treated. Over 90,000 people throughout the United States and Europe are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer every year, 32,000 of them Americans.

About Your Reno Dentists

Dr. William Wager, Dr. Brian Evans, and our highly experienced team at Wager Evans Dental are devoted to our patients and their families, and dedicated to providing first-rate dental care in a comfortable, inviting environment. Located in Reno, we proudly welcome residents from Spanish Springs, Sparks, Incline Village, Dayton, Fernley, and all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation or your next dental appointment, visit our office, or contact us today by calling (775) 800-4845.