Public Warned About Gum Disease and Cancer Link as Survey Finds 29% Have Bleeding Gums

By: British Dental Health Foundation

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The British Dental Health Foundation has urged members of the public to ‘Brush for Health’ in National Smile Month after it was revealed that people with gum disease have a significantly higher risk of developing cancer.

According to the Foundation the combined results of two studies released this week show that people in the UK are increasing their cancer risk by failing to manage their oral health effectively.

This week a large scale study by Imperial College London has found that people with gum disease are 14% more likely to develop cancer, while the National Dental Survey 2008, conducted by the Foundation and Oral B, found that 29% of people suffer with bleeding gums.

Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, commented: “Bleeding gums are caused by gum disease so it is a concern that such a large proportion of people experience this – especially with the cancer link.

“Gum disease has already been linked to a range of serious general health conditions including heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and premature births – but the news that it could increase a person’s cancer risk will still be a big concern for people.”

The Health Professionals Follow-up Study was carried out by experts at Imperial College London who analysed the questionnaire based data of more than 48,000 American males. Most of the subjects had filled in surveys every two years with questions relating to oral health, tooth loss, gum disease, lifestyle factors and new cancer diagnoses.

The survey found that people with gum disease were 36% more likely to develop lung cancer, 49% more likely to develop kidney cancer, 54% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer and 30% more likely to develop hematologic cancers such as leukaemia.

Dr Carter continued: “While further research is needed to confirm the link and to see if women are also at risk, these figures are undoubtedly a concern.

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