How your dentist can tell if you’ll survive cancer

Most of us don’t think about how teeth affect the rest of the body, but research is changing that…

Studies demonstrate that poor oral health may be an overlooked risk factor for many chronic diseases.

That’s because bacteria from the mouth can migrate to other areas of your body, spreading inflammation and low-grade infections, and even contribute to hardening of your arteries — a huge risk for cardiovascular disease.

So, as the relationships between your oral health and your overall health become more evident, your dentists may assume a role more akin to your primary care provider.

Cancer and dental health research

A large Swedish study followed a group of people for nearly 15 years, to learn if there was relationship between dental plaque and premature cancer death. ¹ Results showed that people with more plaque died of cancer significantly earlier than those with less plaque.

This is not an isolated study. The links between gum disease, chronic inflammation, cancer and heart disease are becoming more widely acknowledged in the scientific literature. Another study showed a strong correlation between periodontal disease and breast cancer, and yet another study showed that esophageal cancer risk was significantly higher with periodontal disease. ^{2 3}

Chronic, low grade dental infection and inflammation are also shown to increase the presence of inflammatory proteins that promote tumor growth and other illnesses. These conditions also challenge the immune system with ongoing assault, further weakening overall defenses.  But there are solutions to prevent and even reverse some of this damage.

Taking steps to protect yourself

First the obvious: Brush and floss after every meal, and visit your dentist twice a year. Avoid sugar and sweets, the foods that feed bacteria and inflammation. Emphasize fresh vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats. Greens and leafy vegetables are particularly rich in gum-healthy nutrients like folic acid which helps fight plaque. Omega-3 rich foods such as salmon, flax and chia seeds are also shown to help protect gum health.

Drink lots of water. In addition to keeping us hydrated, water also keeps the saliva from being acidic and sticky — conditions that feed bad bacteria.

Next, supplement with natural anti-inflammatory herbs and nutrients that help reduce inflammation and combat infection…

That’s where honokiol extract, a compound derived from Magnolia bark, can be beneficial. Honokiol is known for its antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties — and offers numerous health benefits. Specifically, it’s shown to fight bacteria associated with periodontal disease. It also offers powerful neurological support and protection, and helps reduce anxiety and boost mood, without being habit forming.

Vitamin D3 deficiency has also been linked to gum disease. Supplementing with this critical nutrient also supports immunity, cognitive health, bone integrity and more.

Probiotic supplements and foods such as sauerkraut, yogurt and kiefer, can also support gum health, reduce inflammation and boost immunity. In particular, a probiotic strain called BLIS K12 (Streptococcus salivarius) has been shown to support upper respiratory and oral health.

These simple measures can offer critical benefits for dental wellness. Equally important, they can help you avoid conditions affecting your teeth and gums from migrating to other areas of the body, while also supporting overall health and vitality at the same time.

We need to evolve from the mindset that oral health and overall health are somehow separate. By caring for your teeth and gums, you can actively support vitality and longevity: a win/win situation. And when you flash your pearly whites, all your hard work — and great health — shine right back at you.

For more health and wellness information visit www.dreliaz.org.

[1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22689907
[2] http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/content/early/2015/12/12/1055-9965.EPI-15-0750
[3] https://louisville.edu/dentistry/news/researchers-find-association-between-oral-bacteria-and-esophageal-cancer