Which condition increases the risk of head & neck cancer and also pancreatic and kidney cancer by 62%?

• A. Gum disease
• B. Tooth decay
• C. Cavities
• D. Dental plaque

Answer: (A)

Chronic gum inflammation from periodontitis can contribute to cancer risk across the body. The ongoing inflammatory state and the bacteria involved in gum disease can spill into the bloodstream, creating a pro-carcinogenic environment that epidemiological studies have linked to higher rates of head and neck cancer, pancreatic cancer, and kidney cancer. In these studies, gum disease is associated with about a 62% higher risk for these cancers compared with those without gum disease. By contrast, tooth decay, cavities, and dental plaque are mainly linked to local dental problems and do not show the same strong, consistent associations with these particular cancers at that magnitude.