When you look after your teeth and especially your gums, it can help to protect your general health. The bacteria responsible for causing periodontitis (advanced gum disease) have already been linked to many serious health problems, and now it looks like they could play a part in the development of specific cancers, including oral cancers and pancreatic cancer.
Researchers have discovered that an enzyme found in bacteria associated with periodontitis is also present in malignant tumours such as pancreatic cancer. It’s been found that this enzyme can activate enzymes used by cancer cells to invade healthy tissues while at the same time diminishing the effectiveness of the immune system. The low-grade systemic inflammation caused by periodontitis helps to spread oral bacteria to other parts of the body.
Early prevention and diagnosis of periodontitis is essential, not only for protecting your teeth and gums but also for protecting your general health. It is one of the main reasons why we recommend regular preventative dental care. Once you have reasonable oral health, it is pretty easy to maintain just by making sure you have twice-yearly dental exams and professional dental cleanings combined with an excellent oral care regime at home.
If it’s been a while since you saw our dentist Dee Why, then please contact Coastal Smiles and let us look after your oral health.
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