Did you know that maintaining your oral health may be saving your life? Scientific studies have found that people with gum disease are at an increased risk of developing many types of cancer. In fact, according to a report in Lancet Oncology, moderate gum disease increases the overall risk of cancer by 14 percent. This statistic makes the value of maintaining healthy gums abundantly clear.
To keep your gums healthy, you should visit your Milford general dentist, Dr. Mitchell I. Quintner, regularly for dental checkups. During a dental checkup, you will have your teeth cleaned by a hygienist. Dental cleanings are very thorough and are effective in removing stubborn, bacteria-ridden tartar from teeth. With tartar removed, the risk of gum disease is lowered as the harmful bacteria contained in tartar will no longer be attached to teeth.
However, a dental checkup is about more than a cleaning. Checkups also permit Dr. Quintner to examine your mouth for any troubling symptoms. During an examination, Dr. Quintner will look for signs of tooth decay, teeth grinding, oral cancer, and of course, gum disease.
How Gum Disease Increases Cancer Risk
The link between gum disease and cancer is still the subject of many studies. However, there is a general idea among researches as to how gum disease increases cancer risk. You see, gum disease is the product of harmful oral bacteria.
However, once these bacteria begin to cause problems in the mouth, they are not imprisoned there. Gum disease-causing bacteria may enter the blood stream, causing the liver to produce C-reactive proteins (CRPs). The production of CRPs has an inflammatory effect on the arteries, which in turn, allows the bacteria to attach to the walls of arteries forming plaque. This plaque can lead to heart disease and other health problems, but the inflammation within the body presents another problem by decreasing the body’s immune response and even damaging the immune system. Researchers are attributing the increased risk of cancer to this weakening of the immune system.
Gum Disease Treatment in Milford
If you suspect that you have gum disease, don’t wait to contact your Milford general dentist. Prompt dental care can restore your oral health before significant damage can occur. In some cases, if gum disease is caught early enough, it is even possible that one or two dental cleanings will be all the treatment that you need to whip your oral health back into shape.
Sensitive Care Cosmetic & Family Dentistry is proud to serve the Milford area. Patients can contact our office at 203-878-6699 to schedule an appointment or a consultation.