New Study Links Gum Disease Bacteria to Pancreatic Cancer

On June 7, Fox News reported that a new study by the American Association for Cancer Research was presented at their annual meeting revealing that pancreatic cancer has been linked to 2 bacteria found in the mouths of patients with gum disease.  The Association estimates that roughly 53,070 new cases of pancreatic cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year.  92% of pancreatic cancer victims pass away within 5 years of diagnosis.  Dr. Jack Bodie believes this punctuates the importance of getting routine dental and endodontic treatment.

Pancreatic cancer is just one more chronic illness that joins a growing list of diseases and ailments linked to oral bacteria, including diabetes, stroke, hypertension, Alzheimer’s, and many others.  What many researchers, dentists and physicians find alarming is that much of the inflammation and damage done by these diseases could be prevented or lessened by patients sticking to their twice daily brushing and flossing routines, accompanied by 2-4 visits a year for dental and endodontic care.

The science behind this claim is that bacteria from food and beverages that remains in the mouth forms plaque, which is comprised of an oral biofilm left behind by eating and drinking.  As oral biofilm hardens into plaque, it is no longer able to be removed by brushing and flossing.  However, bacteria from plaque remains small enough that it can be released into the bloodstream, where it contributes to disease processes. 

A dental hygienist scales and planes the teeth to remove plaque from the tooth surface, and an endodontist treats inflammation of the gums helping eliminate pockets in the gum line where bacteria can evade brushing and flossing and have more ready access to the bloodstream.

To schedule a professional cleaning or endodontic treatment, contact our office at 972-512-0926.