by Carla White

Created on: January 30, 2010   Last Updated: February 02, 2010

Researchers have found yet another reason to take care of your teeth and gums: Pancreatic cancer. The connection between gum (periodontal) disease and cardiovascular (heart) disease has been known for several years (Journal of Periodontology, January 2002).  Now, a new study by the Harvard School of Public Health and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has found that gum disease might increase a person's risk for pancreatic cancer as well, even in nonsmokers. The study was published in the January 17th issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (click

here to read the full report).

In 2009, more than 35,000 people died of pancreatic cancer, and over 40,000 people were diagnosed with new cases of the disease (National Cancer Institute). Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. It has the highest death rate of all cancers: Less than 4% of people live more than five years after being diagnosed (American Cancer Society). Pancreatic cancer often has no  symptoms until the tumor has become very big or the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. For this reason, it is usually not found until late, when treatment is very difficult. Reducing one's chances of pancreatic cancer is thus vitally important.

It is not yet known how gum disease can cause pancreatic cancer. It might be caused by inflammation from the gums traveling throughout the body or by high amounts of cancer-causing toxins from the bacteria in the mouth. However, it is clearly worth taking steps to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you already have gum disease, you can reduce the severity of it or even reverse it by taking better care of your teeth and gums now.

How can I prevent gum disease?

The American Dental Association recommends four simple ways you can prevent gum disease:

1. Brush your teeth twice every day. Soft tooth brushes work best, to get to all the spaces that need to be cleaned. Make sure to look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance on packaging so you know you are buying a properly designed toothbrush. If a toothbrush wears out, get a new one.

2. Clean between your teeth every day with floss or a similar type of cleaner. This will get to the spaces close to your gums that a toothbrush can't reach. Cleaning food and bacteria from between your teeth is key to preventing or stopping gum disease.

3. See your dentist regularly for a check up and professional cleaning. Your teeth need to be cleaned professionally

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