Can It Get Worse? (Yes!)
As if tooth loss, horrible breath and the link to heart disease aren't enough reasons to stay free from periodontal disease, now there's more.A recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, shows that the presence of periodontal disease is an independent risk factor for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Yes - gum disease is linked to head and neck cancer.
Most surprising to the researchers was that it made no difference at all if the patient smoked or not.
"Although the study is comparatively small, the researchers were able to also see an association between bone loss and the risk of head and neck cancer, " according to Andrew Olshan, professor and chair of the Department of Epidemiology at the Gillings School of Global Public Health, and professor in the Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
If we ever needed more reasons to wage a full out war on perio disease, this is it. We have always emphasized good gum tissue health in, our practice. And we are more and more aware every year that it is not only about saving teeth. It is about saving lives!
We urge you to be incredibly diligent about your periodontal health. It is, after, pretty simple to do. There is lots of information on our web site. www.DrSteveRoss.com Browse through the sections on What We Do and also the Library. A Smart Patient is an informed person.
If we ever tell you that you are having signs of gum diseases, please follow our recommendations about how to get yourself healthy.
We don't want to lose you.
