HEALTHY REASONING: Is Gum Disease Connected To Diabetes, Heart Disease, And Pancreatic Cancer?

By Allan Bucka Jones
PRIDE Health Columnist

Simply put, periodontitis or gum disease, is extensive inflammation of the gum that results in tissue destruction.  Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease characterized by destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth.

It is highly prevalent, affecting close to 80% of adults, and has multiple negative impacts on quality of life. Gum disease, not cavities, is the number one reason for tooth extraction.

Epidemiological data confirm that diabetes is a major risk factor for periodontitis, and susceptibility to periodontitis is increased by approximately threefold in people with diabetes. Incidences of end-stage kidney disease are increased significantly in diabetic individuals who also have severe periodontitis, compared to diabetic individuals without severe periodontitis.

Furthermore, the risk of ischemic heart disease and diabetic nephropathy combined, is three times higher in people with diabetes and severe gum disease than in diabetic individuals without severe periodontitis.

If you have diabetes, good oral and periodontal health, should play a significant role in your diabetes management.

Pancreatic cancer has one of the worst survival rates of all cancers. 94% of patients die within five years of diagnosis. Survival rates for pancreatic cancer patients could be greatly improved with a better method for finding and diagnosing the cancer at earlier stages. There is no simple screening test for pancreatic cancer, but new research suggests that testing for oral bacteria using a sample of saliva, gum or plaque might help doctors figure out who has the greatest risk of developing pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic cancer is typically fatal because it is difficult to detect at an early stage. A method for earlier diagnosis would greatly improve chances for survival. New research suggests that people who have a specific type of oral bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis) are twice as likely to get pancreatic cancer as those without the oral bacteria. Also, people with lots of healthy oral bacteria have a much lower risk of pancreatic cancer than those without healthy bacteria.

Researchers still are not sure if harmful bacteria in the mouth cause pancreatic cancer or if the cancer wipes out healthy bacteria and leads to a person having harmful oral bacteria. More research will help clarify the connection between oral bacteria and pancreatic cancer. Until then, take good care of your teeth and gums, brushing and flossing your teeth, and gently massaging your gums with a toothbrush, and see your dentist regularly. You will have a healthier mouth, and you might just have a healthier pancreas, too.

Gum disease is very common in Canada. Seventy percent of Canadians will develop gum disease at some time in their lives. It is the most common dental problem, and it can progress quite painlessly until you have a real problem. That’s why it is so important to prevent gum disease before it becomes serious. If you have bleeding of the gum when you brush your teeth, it is likely indicating that you have gum disease, and remember to always use a soft toothbrush.

As suggested earlier, bacteria and inflammation linked to severe gum disease, play a role in some systemic diseases and conditions. Likewise, diabetes, blood cell disorders, HIV / AIDS can lower the body’s resistance, making gum disease more severe. Several studies link chronic inflammation from gum disease with the development of cardiovascular problems. Some evidence suggests mouth bacteria may be linked to heart disease, artery blockage and stroke.

The signs of gum disease are not always easy to see and can be painless. The earlier gum disease is caught, the easier it is to treat. That is why it is important to see your dentist regularly.

Allan Bucka Jones is a Health Promoter and Broadcaster. He can be heard on “Allan Bucka Jones LIVE”, Sundays from 4 to 6pm on VIBE 105 FM Toronto, www.vibe1055.com, VIBE RADIO App, Rogers Digital Cable 945, Bell Fibe 973 or mobile app TuneIn Radio. You can contact Allan Bucka Jones at allan@jonesandjones.ca.