Periodontal Disease & Pancreatic Cancer
This W eek, Dr. Ross Atkinson Shares Recent Research Findings That Further Associate Periodontal Disease With Pancreatic Cancer:
A.Overthe years, readers have seen me share finding son a number of scientific studies that correlate periodontal disease bacteria with serious health problems. Decades of research have found links between the bacteria of periodontal disease and everything from heart disease to impotency.
A recent study funded by the National Cancer Institute further ex pounds on the dire need for maintaining good periodontal health. While previous studies have shown periodontal( gum) disease bacteria as a potential contributor to pancreatic cancer, the latest study focused on how the risk exists.
In this long-term, large scale study, researchers analyzed the DNA ofs aliva samples from over 360 adults who eventually developed pancreatic cancer. They compared these samples to saliva DNA of nearly 375 adults who remained healthy. Adjustments were made in both groups for variations such as age, race, sex, smoking, alcohol use, body mass and having d ia betes .
Based on findings of previous research, this study focused on two types of periodontal disease pathogens. Close monitoring found one particular type to be more prevalent in the saliva ofparticipants who developed pancreatic cancer, resulting in a 59 percent greater risk of developing the deadly disease. The other pathogen was shown to increase one’s risk by 50 percent.
Pancreatic cancer is nearlya deathsentence for those who develop it, often because it is not diagnosed until ithas reached an advanced stage. While more than 50,000 people will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year, less than ten percent will live beyond fiveyears.
The bacteria of period ont al disease has long been associated witha number of serious health problems. Prior research has determined that this potent oral bacteria can trigger inflammatory reactions far beyond the mouth. The bacteria can enter the blood stream through tears in diseased gum tissues, creating systemic inflammation that has been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and arthritis, a growing list of cancers, pr et er mb a bies and impotency.
To understand periodon-tal disease, let me explain how it begins. When bacteria in the mouth accumulate, they reproduce rapidly. Initially, gingivitis begins with symptoms that often times include tender gums that bleed easily when brushing. When ging iv it isis not resolved, oral bacteria multiply as more severe problems occur.
As gingivitis progresses to periodontal disease, the gum scan become more tender and the bone under the around teeth begins to dissolve away and will not grow back. The gums become more inflamed with infectious bacteria and often darken from a healthy pink color to a deeper red. P us pockets form under the gumline around teeth. Persistent bad breath occurs and teeth begin to loosen.
As can be seen in the above description of the progression of periodontal disease, destructive bacteria can infect the gums and destroy the bone supporting the teeth. Not surprisingly, periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the U.S. and is obviously an undeniable force when it comes to our overall health.
Tome, one of the most telling things about the findings of this study was the presence of these oral bacteria pathogens prior to the onset of pancreatic cancer in that periodontal bacteria predisposes us to a higher risk. As a matter off act, pancreatic cancer that occurred within two years or less from the time the DNA samples were taken were omitted. This helped to rule out preexisting factors that could influence risk statistics.
While the existence of periodontal disease appears to increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, based on this and past research, it is not to be determined, as yet, that gum disease is the cause of pancreatic cancer. The culprit that is known at this time lies in the inflammation triggered by infectious oral bacteria.
As a Periodontist, I’m excited by the studies that help the medical and dental communities to unify forthe well-being of our patients. I’ll pass along new findings as they are presented.In the meantime, it is important that you act promptly if you have any of the symptoms of gingivitis or periodontal disease as mentioned above.
Ca ll 501-262-4010 for m ore in form a tion , or vis it: www.atkinsonimplants.com.