Pancreatic Cancer and Gum Disease: What You Should Know

November 28, 2016

November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, and Drs. Scott Meester and Mel Olafsen are celebrating the occasion by encouraging patients with gum disease to decrease their pancreatic cancer risk by receiving treatment.

Recent studies show that poor oral health and gum disease are related to the development of pancreatic cancer. Although the definitive cause of the relationship is not yet fully understood, it appears that chronic infection within the gum tissue may spread through the blood stream to other parts of the body, including the pancreas. Pancreatic inflammation may in turn promote the growth of cancer cells.

Common Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease can be tricky to self-diagnose, especially during its earliest stages. That’s why it’s so important to regularly see your dentist for dental cleanings and checkups. We also recommend that you see your dentist between checkups if you experience any of these common gum disease symptoms:

• Swollen, red gums
• Bleeding of the gums after eating certain foods, or while brushing and flossing
• Pus between the teeth and gums
• Chronic bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Mouth sores

If it is caught and treated early, gum disease can be managed fairly easily. If it is left to progress and become more severe, it could lead to jaw bone deterioration and eventual tooth loss. As stated earlier, untreated periodontal disease may also contribute to pancreatic cancer development.

How PerioProtect™ Can Help

Drs. Meester and Olafsen utilize a prescription solution called PerioProtect™ to prevent gum disease development. This solution targets and removes bacteria in the mouth that causes gum disease and cleans out your periodontal pockets. If gum disease is already present, PerioProtect™ may be applied before treatment in order to limit the amount of bacteria that enters your blood stream during treatment.

Speak With Us Today

To schedule your gum disease consultation and find out if you are a good candidate for PerioProtect™, call Meester & Olafsen and speak with a friendly office representative at your convenience. We look forward to helping you manage your gum disease symptoms and enjoy a healthier, more beautiful smile.

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