Gum disease increases women's risk of breast cancer

Bacteria that causes inflammation in the mouth enters the circulation via gums
Once in the bloodstream, they can enter breast tissue and lead to tumours
Severe gum disease can affect the jaw bone and cause teeth to fall out
Previous research reveals up to 54% of adults in the UK have gum disease
Experts believe the findings show gum disease has an effect on overall health

By Alexandra Thompson Health Reporter For Mailonline

Published: 15:39 GMT, 7 December 2017 | Updated: 15:46 GMT, 7 December 2017

Gum disease increases women’s risk of breast cancer up to three times, new research reveals.

This is thought to be due to the bacteria that causes inflammation in the mouth entering the circulation via the gums and going into breast tissue, which can result in cancer.

Speaking of the study’s findings, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, said: ‘Interestingly, this research shows that there is evidence to support the theory that gum disease can have a much larger impact on the health of our whole body.’

Severe gum disease, known as periodontitis, can affect the bones in people’s jaws and cause teeth to fall out.

Previous research reveals up to 54 per cent of adults in the UK have gum disease to some extent.

Gum disease increases women’s risk of breast cancer up to three times (stock)

BRUSHING YOUR TEETH COULD SLASH YOUR RISK OF THROAT CANCER BY MORE THAN ONE-FIFTH

Brushing your teeth could slash your risk of developing throat cancer by more than one-fifth, research suggested earlier this month.

Higher levels of certain bacteria that are linked to gum disease increase an individual’s likelihood of developing the condition by 21 percent, a US study found.

It is unclear whether it is the bacteria themselves or gum disease that leads to foodpipe tumors.

Researchers argue their findings highlight the importance of good oral hygiene, including brushing teeth twice a day and regular dentist visits, to maintain people’s dental health, as well as avoiding other complications.

Throat cancer is the eighth most common from of the disease and the sixth leading cause of related deaths worldwide, according to the researchers.

Yet due to the cancer often not being discovered until it has reached an advanced stage, five-year survival rates range from just 15 to 25 percent.

How the research was carried out

Researchers from the University of Santa Maria in Brazil analysed 201 women visiting the department of gynecology at the study university’s hospital between April 2013 and June 2015.

Of the study’s participants, 67 had breast cancer.

The cases and controls were matched according to smoking status and alcohol intake.

All of the participants were assessed for gum inflammation at six sites per tooth.

Gum disease increases the risk of breast cancer by up to three times

Results reveal women with severe gum disease are up to three times more likely to have breast cancer.

There is no link between tooth loss and developing the disease.

Dr Carter said: ‘Interestingly, this research shows that there is evidence to support the theory that gum disease can have a much larger impact on the health of our whole body.

‘It suggests that severe gum disease is associated with instances of breast cancer and this may be through spread of infection and inflammation starting in the mouth.

‘The research mentions that more research is required in order to identify the specific relationship, something we very much welcome.’

The findings were published in the journal of Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology.

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