Can Dental Plaque Increase Your Risk of Cancer? Yes It Can

You already know that removing plaque by brushing and flossing can prevent halitosis, cavities and gingivitis, but it can also prevent cancer.

Remove Plaque from Teeth with Dental Cleaning in Tempe

Yes - Dental Plaque Can Increase Risk Your Risk of Cancer

A recent study revealed that bacteria from oral plaque can enter your bloodstream, causing inflammation in your vital organs and bones. It’s vital to brush and floss your teeth regularly to remove plaque from your teeth and gums.

Dental plaque collects along the surface of your teeth, and it contains bacteria that will erode your teeth and infect your gums. When your body has inflammation from bacteria, your immune system becomes depleted from fighting against the infection. With depleted immune functions, your body is less able to fight against the dangerous cancerous cells that affect your health.

Researchers Conducted a Study In Sweden

Researchers in Sweden asked the question "Can Dental Plaque Increase Your Risk of Cancer?" Using a test group of 1,400 adults in Sweden to study the affects of plaque on overall health, the study lasted for over 20 years, and the participants were questioned on a routine basis about their habits, such as smoking cigarettes.

In addition, each participant had a comprehensive dental examination to learn about a buildup of plaque, gum disease and loss of teeth.

Results Revealed That Poor Dental Hygiene Is Linked To Cancer

Toward the end of this study, nearly 60 of the 1,400 test subjects had died from cancer. Females in this test primarily died from breast cancer while males died from five different types of cancer.

Physicians examined the teeth of the deceased individuals and determined that they had a higher amount of plaque on their teeth than the test subjects who were still alive.

Despite looking at the other statistics for the test subjects, researchers believe that having dental plaque is a primary risk for cancer.

Periodontal Disease From Plaque Is Linked To Pancreatic Cancer

In the United States, scientists conducted a study of adult males to determine if poor dental hygiene that leads to gingivitis also causes pancreatic cancer.

This study involved over 50,000 test subjects, and it revealed that periodontal disease that caused a loss of one or more teeth could lead to a higher risk of having pancreatic cancer.

The test subjects who had inflammation markers in their bloodstream developed poor immune systems that linked them to a higher risk for pancreatic cancer.

Carcinogenic Compounds Combine With Digestive Enzymes

Experts suggest that the carcinogenic compounds in the mouth combine with digestive enzymes in the digestive tract, leading to cancerous cells that travel to the pancreas.

This condition is diagnosed in over 30,000 individuals in the United States each year, but this condition is often diagnosed too late for proper treatment.

By learning more about the possible risk factors for developing pancreatic cancer, researchers hope to prevent more cases of this medical condition.

Remove Plaque To Help Prevent Cancer

Because dental plaque can increase your risk of cancer, dentists tell their patients to brush their teeth at least twice a day along with flossing once a day.

If you have a problem removing plaque, then use an oral irrigator that emits highly pressurized water to remove plaque from the pockets around the teeth.

In addition, it is important to visit a dentist’s office at least every six months for a professional cleaning to remove hard plaque.

Noble Dental Care is accepting new patients and would love to be your Tempe dentist. Call our office today for an appointment. We look forward to meeting you!