For those who learn they have cancer, regardless of the type, it is a frightening diagnosis. While survival rates have been positively increasing over the years, it is a dreaded disease that requires challenging treatment regimens, even for those who have early stage cancer diagnoses.

Thanks to extensive research and advances in treatment options (including high-tech imaging that catches many cancers in their early stages) the survival statistics are climbing at a steady pace. In 2022, 69% of survivors have lived over 5 years since their diagnosis; 47% have lived over 10 years since their diagnosis; and 18% of survivors have lived over 20.

Encouraging, also, is that the number of cancer survivors is projected to increase by 24.4% by 2032.

Treatment for cancer can be very compromising to the immune system. One of the ways to support the immune system is by having excellent periodontal health. Having a healthy mouth can lower the demands on the immune system. Here’s why…

The mouth is home to millions of bacteria; some bacteria are good and some are bad. When the bad bacteria are well-managed (through proper brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups), the gums remain healthy and protective to the structures below.

When bad bacteria over-accumulate, the immune system becomes strained as it attempts to combat their rapid reproduction. The bacteria become infectious, destroying healthy tissues. This leads to the loosening of gum tissues that snugly wrap the base of each tooth. Thus, bacteria are able to penetrate below the surface of the gums.

Here, bacteria attack the structures that support teeth, including bone. This destruction can cause teeth to loosen, leading to the need for removal in some cases.

Yet, it is not just the immune system that is challenged by the bacteria. Even for those in good overall states, having gum disease increases the risks for many health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, dementia and even certain cancers.

In a study by Harvard scientists from data that included almost 150,000 adults with a follow-up after 28 years, those with a history of periodontal disease were 43% more likely to develop esophageal cancer and 52% more likely to develop stomach cancer. The risk was even higher in those with gum disease severe enough to cause tooth loss (periodontitis).

Although the exact mechanism connecting gum disease and some cancers is still uncertain, studies continually show correlations. This can be in the form of triggering the onset or worsening those in development.

In one study from the late 1990s until 2012, study participants with severe gum disease showed a 24% higher risk of developing cancer. For edentulous patients (those who have no remaining natural teeth), there was an even higher risk.

As a periodontist, I have a firsthand view of how destructive the infectious bacteria of gum disease can be. Ridding any level of this can reduce the demands on the immune system. As such, we often care for cancer patients to relieve the problems in the mouth that some medications and radiation can cause (such as tissue infections and sores, pain or swelling in the mouth, and sensitivity to hot and cold). This is often done using a dental laser. Laser therapy is very comfortable and is safe for cancer patients and the process can expedite healing greatly.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to address, specifically, oral and oropharyngeal cancers since April is National Oral Cancer Awareness month. While some other cancers seem to be more present in the public eye, awareness of oral and neck/throat cancers needs to be greater. Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers occur most often in the following sites:

The rest are found in the lips, the minor salivary glands (which often occur in the roof of the mouth), and other sites.

The American Cancer Society’s most recent estimates for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers in the U.S. are for 2024:

   – About 58,450 new cases of oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer

The average age of people diagnosed with these cancers is 64, but they can occur in young people. Just over 20% (1 in 5) of cases occur in people younger than 55.

Adult males are at the highest risk for oral cancer, with black males being the most susceptible. The risk also increases with age, especially after age 50. Although the risk typically peaks between the ages of 60 – 70, males between ages 50 – 59 tend to have the highest numbers.

It is important to be aware of the warning signs of oral cancer, including:

While these symptoms do not always indicate oral cancer, any that do not clear up on their own within 2 weeks should be examined without delay.

This dental exam is painless. Many patients, if not told, are not aware that the dentist is performing it. During this, the dentist does a visual examination of oral tissues, checking the lips and inside of the mouth (including under the tongue). The dentist will also check the roof and floor of your mouth.

If suspicious areas are noted during the exam, the dentist will order a biopsy. In this, a small sample of tissue from the area of concern is removed and examined under a microscope. This will determine whether further tests are needed.

Unfortunately, the CDC reports that about 35% of adults over the age of 18 did not have a dental visit in 2019. This leaves those who are vulnerable or developing oral cancer at higher risk of it advancing. Those regular dental checkups go beyond the cleaning of teeth and lowering the risk of oral cancers adds greatly to the need to be committed to these appointments.

If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, please know that this disease will only worsen without treatment. If you have any of those listed below, please contact our Asheville periodontal dental office as soon as possible to schedule an examination.

Watch for:

If fear has kept you from having regular dental care, our Western periodontal dental office offers both oral and I.V. sedation (twilight sleep). Feel free to call 828-274-9440 to arrange a consultation appointment to discuss any concerns you have regarding treatment or payment plans.

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