Is Gum Disease Linked to Pancreatic Cancer?

As we mentioned in previous blogs, oral health is important for more reasons than just your visual appearance. There are endless studies connecting oral health to several overall wellness concerns. From concerns about heart disease to Alzheimer’s disease, researchers have linked dental health to a variety of systemic ailments. With that being said, it’s no surprise that recent studies have also linked periodontal health to pancreatic cancer.

Our dental implant patients here in Pittsburgh, PA, know just how important gum health is for their smile. Neglecting gum health won’t just increase your risk for several overall health problems, but it can also significantly increase your risk for tooth loss. To explain more about this topic, dental implant providers, Drs. Dugan & Sweeney give patients here in Pittsburgh, PA a closer look at the connection between periodontal health and pancreatic cancer.

Basics About Pancreatic Cancer

Although we know that periodontal health is a risk factor for several overall health problems, it’s important to note that it is tied to several types of cancer. Pancreatic cancer, in particular, is especially dangerous for its relatively low survival rates. Pancreatic cancer occurs when the cells in the pancreas begin to grow uncontrollably. Since the pancreas has two main types of cells there are different types of tumors that can form. These types of cancers of the pancreas each come with signs, risk factors, and treatments.

The pancreas is essential to your survival for a variety of reasons. This organ is located behind the stomach and across the back of the abdomen. It is responsible for producing enzymes and hormones for breaking down foods. The pancreas is also responsible for insulin, which is released into the bloodstream to regulate glucose levels. Cancer of the pancreas is characterized by several symptoms including jaundice related symptoms, weight loss, blood clots, gallbladder or liver enlargement and more. The survival rate of pancreatic cancer depends on the type of cancer and the state it is discovered.

Obviously, the earlier the cancer is caught, the high the survival rate will be. For patients with the state IA pancreatic cancer, the five-year survival rate is about 14% while the rate is about 12% for patients with stage IB cancer. Survival rates for pancreatic cancer are relatively low because this type of cancer will often go undetected for a long period of time. By the time the cancer is discovered in advanced stages, treating cancer can become less effective and difficult.

Pancreatic Cancer Risk: Periodontal Health

Periodontal health may not sound related to pancreatic cancer but many studies have shown these two areas of health are more related than you would first assume. A study looked at data from more than 51,000 males over the course of 16 years to see if gum disease and tooth loss were factors related to pancreatic cancer. Researchers adjusted their findings to consider age, smoking history, obesity, and more. Through their study, they concluded that gum disease had a 64% increased risk of pancreatic cancer compared to men with no history of gum disease.

Researchers aren’t positive on why pancreatic cancer and periodontal health are related but many believe that it has to do with chronic inflammation associated with gum disease. Inflamed gums can trigger inflammation throughout the entire body. Some researchers believe this inflammation can promote the growth of cancer in the body.

Contact our Office in Pittsburgh

Is your periodontal health in jeopardy? Tooth loss is a common problem that can severely damage your oral health and as you can tell, your oral health is very important for your overall wellness. If you’re currently dealing with tooth loss, we recommend looking into restorative treatment as soon as possible to minimize the damage that can occur to your remaining teeth, gums and underlying supportive jawbone. Here at Snyder & Dugan Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we have restored countless smiles with the help of dental implants. To get started on your dental implant treatment, contact our office today to schedule your no-obligation consultation!