Commonly associated health hazards for chronic periodontitis (gum disease) go way beyond your mouth. People have been warned for years that persistent periodontitis can be one of the causes of heart disease. Gum disease may also be a risk factor for many other cancers of the head and neck a new study suggests.The journal: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention, the study included 207 control subjects & 266 patients with cancers of the head or neck treated from 1999 to 2005.Dr. Mine Tezel, The State University of New York, Buffalo, & his colleagues noted: “Alveolar bone is the ridge of bone that surrounds the roots of the teeth, holding them in place. Loss of this bone is typically seen with severe periodontal disease.”The report indicates every millimeter of alveolar bone loss increases the risk of head and neck cancer more than 4 times. (One millimeter is about the size of a pinhead.) This was also noted in subjects who never used tobacco or alcohol.We aren’t just Cosmetic Dentists but here at Dr. Ban R. Barbat’s Dentist office we’re committed to go above and beyond in periodontal health. We want our patients to live a long and healthy life. By helping a small problem now you can avoid a lot of trouble in the future. Promote your overall health. It’s the timeWe want to make you aware of this very important study. If you do not take care of your gums, you are not just harming you mouth but your entire body. Make sure to brush, floss and have regular checkups. You may say “I don’t have the time” but think of all of the time and money one of these horrible diseases will cost you.*SOURCE: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention, September 2009.
