Gum disease increases women’s risk of breast cancer up to three times, research reveals.
This is thought to be due to the bacteria that causes inflammation in the mouth entering the circulation via the gums and going into breast tissue, which can result in cancer.
Speaking of the study’s findings, Dr Nigel Carter OBE, CEO of the Oral Health Foundation, said: ‘Interestingly, this research shows that there is evidence to support the theory that gum disease can have a much larger impact on the health of our whole body.’
Severe gum disease, known as periodontitis, can affect the bones in people’s jaws and cause teeth to fall out.
Previous research reveals up to 54 per cent of adults in the UK have gum disease to some extent.
