Link found between dental disease and increased cancer risk Updated: 5/27/2008 2:00:15 PM Print Article Email Article           Researchers have found a link between gum disease and a significantly increased risk of cancer, in both smokers and non-smokers. A team from Imperial College London analyzed data from more than 48,000 men in the United States, which showed that the cancer risk among non-smokers with a history of gum disease was 21 percent higher. They were also found to have a 35 percent greater risk of blood cancers. Including smokers, the overall increased risk for those with a history of gum disease was found to be 14 percent, which rises to around 50 percent for lung, kidney and pancreatic cancers. Although the research team is unsure of the exact reason for the link, they suggested that "gum disease might be a marker of a susceptible immune system or might directly affect cancer risk". Dr Dominique Michaud from Imperial College London, who led the investigation, wrote in the Lancet Oncology journal: "Gum disease was associated with a small, but significant, increase in overall cancer risk, which persisted in never-smokers." Scientists have previously found that gum disease could also lead to an increased risk of heart disease. © 2008 Brafton Inc. Enter your ZIP code to compare the savings offered by the discount dental plans in your area. Take the first step toward a healthier smile and start saving today! > Find my dentist > Find a ZIP code             Additional Articles Best man teeth? Try Madison, Wisconsin f... California proposes massive cuts in dent... Poor economy increasing dental emergenci... Dentists donate 2 days of dental care fo... Dental care for woman who superglued her... Dental care for woman superglued her tee... Dentist: Yearly visit minimum for dental... Dentist: Teeth fall out with lack of den... Sugarless gum can help with dental healt... Straightened teeth can enhance dental he... Nonprofit offers free dental care to at-... Director: Fluoride could improve dental ... Tongue piercing may negatively impact de... Director: North Carolina has dental care... AGD: Tap water better for dental health Dentist clears up dental care myths on m... Study: Dental health important for HIV i... New surgical laser provides hi-tech dent... BBC: Number of children needing dental c... Completeness, not order, counts in prope...

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