The study found that women may be 11 times more likely to catch breast cancer if they had poor oral health or periodontal disease.
The research conducted at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden involved more than three thousand patients.
The patients were between the ages of 30-40 and had been randomly selected. Breast cancer incidence was registered from 1985 to 2001 according to the WHO International Classication of Diseases criteria.
Gum disease increases risk of breast cancer
The associations between breast cancer, periodontal disease, and missing molars were determined using multiple logistic regression models with several background variables and known risk factors for cancer.
Out of the 41 women who went on to develop breast cancer, those had been suffering from periodontal disease were at far greater risk of getting breast cancer.
Gum disease is caused by the bacteria which develop on your teeth and form a thin biofilm, also called dental plaque.
Over a prolonged period of time, the plaque causes the bone holding the tooth to wear away and make the tooth loose.
Without timely treatment, the tooth eventually falls out. Contrary to popular opinion, you lose more teeth due to gum disease than due to tooth decay.
Your teeth can affect your health
Many studies done in the past several years have pointed out a link between oral health and general health.
It is believed that the bacteria from the mouth can get into the bloodstream and adversely affect the heart, leading to a greater risk of heart disease.
People with diabetes are also known to be more susceptible to infection due to oral bacteria. Pregnant women with gum disease have been found to be at greater risk of giving birth to a premature baby.
Many studies done in the past several years have pointed out a link between oral health and general health.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, was quick to point out that more investigation is needed in this regard before any conclusive statements can be made.
He said that since this is the first study to come up with such findings, a lot more needs to be done before the link can be confirmed.
Dr Carter said, "If future studies can also testify to the link between missing teeth and breast cancer, more has to be done to raise public awareness on the issue. The British Dental Health Foundation has a history of campaigning for better oral health, and the findings presented in the study indicate another clear link between your general and oral health."
The research conducted at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden involved more than three thousand patients.
The patients were between the ages of 30-40 and had been randomly selected. Breast cancer incidence was registered from 1985 to 2001 according to the WHO International Classication of Diseases criteria.
Gum disease increases risk of breast cancer
The associations between breast cancer, periodontal disease, and missing molars were determined using multiple logistic regression models with several background variables and known risk factors for cancer.
Out of the 41 women who went on to develop breast cancer, those had been suffering from periodontal disease were at far greater risk of getting breast cancer.
Gum disease is caused by the bacteria which develop on your teeth and form a thin biofilm, also called dental plaque.
Over a prolonged period of time, the plaque causes the bone holding the tooth to wear away and make the tooth loose.
Without timely treatment, the tooth eventually falls out. Contrary to popular opinion, you lose more teeth due to gum disease than due to tooth decay.
Your teeth can affect your health
Many studies done in the past several years have pointed out a link between oral health and general health.
It is believed that the bacteria from the mouth can get into the bloodstream and adversely affect the heart, leading to a greater risk of heart disease.
People with diabetes are also known to be more susceptible to infection due to oral bacteria. Pregnant women with gum disease have been found to be at greater risk of giving birth to a premature baby.
Many studies done in the past several years have pointed out a link between oral health and general health.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, was quick to point out that more investigation is needed in this regard before any conclusive statements can be made.
He said that since this is the first study to come up with such findings, a lot more needs to be done before the link can be confirmed.
Dr Carter said, "If future studies can also testify to the link between missing teeth and breast cancer, more has to be done to raise public awareness on the issue. The British Dental Health Foundation has a history of campaigning for better oral health, and the findings presented in the study indicate another clear link between your general and oral health."