Going to the Dentist may Lower your Risk of Cancer

Categories: Health

going to the dentist may lower risk of cancerSanta Cruz, Scotts Valley CA

Most people feel some degree of nervousness or fear at the prospect of going to the dentist. If you are one of these people, you should still go see your dentist. After all, it could save your life! Medical research continues to show a link between the health of your teeth and mouth and the risk of chronic, life-threatening ailments including cancer.

Do you get regular dental check-ups? Your life may depend on it

A 2018 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found a potential link between gum disease and susceptibility to cancer. Reviewing the dental exams of 7,500 adults, the scientists determined that patients with gum disease developed more cancers, but also had a higher morbidity rate to those cancers over a span of 15 years. The study also found that individuals with severe gum disease were nearly one-fourth more likely to develop some form of cancer, with the likelihood of lung cancer approximately doubled. While it is too early to claim a medical consensus on the matter, this research does underscore the importance of diligent oral care, which should include daily brushing and flossing in combination with visiting your dentist once each six months for a check-up that should include a professional dental cleaning and an examination of your teeth and mouth.

Treating gum disease in Scotts Valley

Gum disease is one of the most widespread chronic diseases in the United States. Stemming from a bacterial infection in your gums and jawbone, this ailment can do permanent damage to your teeth and mouth if it is not identified and treated in its early stage, which is known as gingivitis. Untreated gum disease leads to tooth loss, potential deterioration of your jawbone, and nutritional deficiencies because of the impact on your ability to chew. Gum disease also increases the risk of chronic health ailments such as diabetes and heart disease; in fact, according to the American Academy of Periodontology, gum disease nearly doubles your risk factor of developing cardiac disease.

At Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry, we recognize the potential risks associated with gum disease and use some of the latest technological advances in the dental field as part of our periodontal treatment program. This includes modular periodontal therapy, which combines bacterial testing, medications, and home care as a means of gum disease treatment.

We also believe in the importance of the mouth-body connection and stress the need to receive regular dental check-ups. We also offer a wide variety of preventive care treatments and procedures, which can detect problems with your oral health in the earliest stages, saving you from more intensive procedures with a higher cost at a later date to correct the problem.

Take ownership of your dental health! If you have lapsed in your recommended schedule of check-ups, get back on track and make an appointment today. Call the office of Ebrahimian Integrative Dentistry today at (831) 438-4411 to schedule a consultation. If you are apprehensive about going to the dentist, ask us about our sedation dentistry options that we have available to help make you feel relaxed and comfortable throughout your appointment. We welcome patients in the areas of Los Gatos, Santa Cruz, and Scotts Valley, California.