Gum Disease and Pancreatic Cancer: How the Link Could Affect You

November 28, 2016

Studies have recently uncovered a link between gum disease and pancreatic cancer. While the specifics behind the connection are still unknown, there is evidence that those with untreated gum disease are more likely to develop pancreatic cancer. This may be due to oral bacteria from periodontal disease making its way to the pancreas and contributing to the growth of cancer cells.

Since November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Leo Tokarczyk is taking the opportunity to encourage patients to decrease their pancreatic cancer risk and take care of their oral health by receiving treatment for their gum disease symptoms.

Symptoms to Watch for

Gum disease can be hard to spot during its early stages, but catching it early on is one of the best ways to combat it before it becomes severe. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Sensitive gums
• Chronic halitosis (bad breath)
• Swollen gums that bleed easily
• Sensitive teeth
• Loose teeth

In its most advanced stages, gum disease can cause the teeth to fall out and can lead to severe degradation of the jaw bone.

When to Seek Treatment

While a good oral hygiene routine that includes daily flossing and brushing is usually sufficient to ward off gum disease development, it may not be enough in some cases. Some people are genetically more susceptible to the condition, while others may have tooth alignment problems that make it difficult to sufficiently clean the teeth and gums.

No matter what your situation may be, it is important to seek treatment as soon as you notice the common signs of gum disease. Your oral and physical health could be negatively affected the longer you wait to receive treatment.

Contact Us for More Information

Gum disease can become a serious problem, especially if left untreated. There is no better time to improve your quality of life and decrease your chances of developing pancreatic cancer than during Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Tokarczyk, call our office or fill out our online contact form.

Comments

comments

Related Articles

• 5 Signs You Need to See Your Dentist

  Most people only think about going to the dentist when they see their six-month check-up on the calendar. However, you may not want to wait until your next appointment if you experience concerning symptoms related to your gums and teeth. As Dr. Kaz Zymantas, a Naperville, IL dentist from Premier Dental often tells patients, dental […]

• What Are the Different Types of Tooth Pain?

  Have you ever over-exercised and strained yourself a bit? You might feel some dull aches in your hamstrings or biceps. However, if you actually tear a muscle, the discomfort will be more intense and indicative of something that requires a physician. In the same way, tooth pain is not a one-size-fits-all term. Naperville, IL dentist […]

• Improve Your Mouth, Improve Yourself

  Dr. Kaz Zymantas and our team at Premier Dental want to help people all over the Naperville, IL area improve themselves during national “Self Improvement Month!” And one of the best ways to give your self-esteem and entire body a boost is through a regular dental visit! Dentistry can help improve the look and function […]

• How to Handle Dental Emergencies

  Most people know how to respond to a bodily injury like a soft tissue cut or broken bone. But do you know how to handle a dental emergency? Depending on the situation, you can reduce the risk of damage or tooth loss if you take action. Learn from Dr. Kaz Zymantas, our dentist, on how […]

• What Are Space Maintainers?

  Baby teeth are important for many reasons. They provide your children with the ability to chew and speak properly, which is essential for healthy bodies and self-esteem. They also hold the space for permanent teeth, so that when they erupt, there is room for them to grow in. When baby teeth are lost prematurely, it […]

• Tips for Maintaining Healthy Teeth

  Your teeth are more important than you might realize. A beautiful, healthy smile not only helps you look younger, it helps you feel better. With healthy teeth, you can eat an unrestricted diet and get the nutrients you need. Your teeth also stimulate your jaw bone, staving off osteoporosis. Dr. Kaz Zyantas stresses the importance […]

• Quiz: All About Wisdom Teeth

  How much do you know about wisdom teeth? Even though everyone has them, there is a surprising amount of misinformation, especially surrounding their maintenance and extraction. As a dentist who removes wisdom teeth, in Naperville, IL, Dr. Kaz Zymantas frequently dispels myths about these “third molars”. Take our quiz to find out if you are […]

• Children’s Root Canals

  Even baby teeth can become infected. When the core of your child’s tooth is diseased or injured, the entire tooth does not need to be extracted. Dr. Carolyn B. Cromwell recommends pulpotomy for her Avon, OH, patients. A pulpotomy is a treatment, like a root canal, which saves the tooth but removes the infection and […]

• The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment

  You may have always heard that orthodontic appointments don’t need to start until your child is old enough for braces. But did you know that early orthodontic visits (and treatments) can make the entire process smoother and more effective? It has to do with the growth and development of children’s jaws and baby teeth. Catching […]

• The Risks of Living With Gum Disease

   Gum disease is an oral health issue that plagues around half of the adult population of the United States. Even if you are meticulous about your home oral hygiene, you are still at risk for developing gum disease. While Dr. Ann Mineo Kania and the staff at the office of Ann Mineo Kania, DDS, DMSc […]