New research suggests that people
who have more plaque on their teeth and gums are more likely to die prematurely
from cancer. The June 11 edition of BMJ
Open findings show only an association between plaque and a raised risk of
early cancer death, and not a cause-and-effect relationship.
In the study, nearly 1,400
Swedish adults were followed for 24 years. During this time, 58 of the subjects died, 35
from cancer.[1] Specifically, people with high amounts of
dental plaque were 79 percent more likely to die prematurely. That said, the absolute risk of any person
with dental plaque dying early of cancer was low.[2]
Although the study did not examine
the causal connection, underlying inflammation may be the common denominator. Calling the new findings “interesting,” Dr.
Len Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society,
said they raise more questions than they answer.
“This study does not answer the question of
whether or not dental plaque leads to cancer death,” he said. “We only know how
many people died, so we don’t know if there is an increase in the incidence of
cancer among people with plaque, or if, perhaps, it renders them more
susceptible to treatment-associated infection.”[3]
While insurance companies only
pay for two visits, we think the growing evidence of how your oral health care
relates to your global health indicates that you should have your teeth cleaned
at least 3, if not 4 times per year. As
long as I have been practicing, I have been ethically driven to inform you of
your needs. Unfortunately, insurance
companies don’t take an oath of professionalism. Learn more about healthy teeth and gums at
the American Dental Association. If we can be of service or answer any of your
oral health questions, please do not hesitate to contact us or schedule a
complementary consultations.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
[1] June
11, 2012, BMJ Open
[2] http://news.health.com/2012/06/12/does-more-dental-plaque-mean-higher-chances-of-dying-from-cancer/
[3] Len
Lichtenfeld, M.D., deputy chief medical officer, American Cancer Society,
Atlanta
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