Interesting Dental Facts

DID YOU KNOW...

A study conducted at Harvard University has linked gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, to pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer has been named as the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, more than 30,000 Americans are expected to lose their lives to pancreatic cancer this year. This particular study began in 1986 and documented over 50,000 men working in health professions. Between 1986 and 2002, researchers verified 216 cases of pancreatic cancer, with 67 of those cases having periodontal disease. 

The findings showed that men with gum disease were 63% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer by rate of comparison than men that did not have gum disease.

"A Prospective Study of Periodontal Disease and Pancreatic Cancer in U.S. Male Health Professionals," Dominique S. Michaud, Kaumudi Joshipura, Edward Giovannucci, Charles S. Fuchs, JNCI, 2007; 99:1-5