(425) 348-8484Gum Disease and Breast Cancer: What the Research Says
by Harbour Pointe Family Dentistry✓ We accept Delta Dental, Primera & most major insurance · Boeing employees welcome View insurance & financing →
Good oral health has not been shown to prevent breast cancer. What researchers have found is an association: in a number of observational studies, people with periodontal (gum) disease were diagnosed with breast cancer somewhat more often than people with healthy gums. Those studies cannot show that gum disease causes breast cancer, and shared risk factors such as smoking and age may explain part of the pattern. Healthy gums are worth protecting for their own sake, but they are not a substitute for breast cancer screening.
At Harbour Pointe Family Dentistry, we see October as a good reminder that oral health and overall health are connected, and that caring for one supports the other. Our family dentistry team focuses on preventing and treating gum disease early. Below, we walk through what periodontal disease is, what studies have explored about its possible link to breast cancer, what that research does and does not mean, and the everyday habits that keep your gums healthy.
Think Pink: Why Breast Cancer Awareness Month Matters
Do you notice an increase in pink every October? From politicians to football players to community members, the color seems to pop up everywhere. Since 1985, when National Breast Cancer Awareness Month was founded, October has been designated as a time to increase awareness of this disease.
Pink ribbons, and pink in general, point to the need for awareness, research, and fundraising. These are all important parts of the work toward earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and eventually a cure. The numbers show why that work still matters, according to current statistics from Breastcancer.org:
Because most breast cancers occur in women without a family history, routine screening and conversations with your physician are important for everyone, not just those with a relative who has been diagnosed.
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a chronic infection and inflammation of the gums and the bone that supports your teeth. It starts when plaque builds up along the gumline and hardens into tartar, which only a professional cleaning can remove. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, early gum disease can often be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, while more advanced disease can damage the tissues that hold teeth in place. Common warning signs include:
Smoking is the most significant risk factor for gum disease. Other factors include older age, diabetes, genetics, stress, and hormonal changes in women. Many people have gum disease without realizing it, which is one reason routine exams matter.
What Studies Have Explored About Gum Disease and Breast Cancer
Over the past two decades, researchers have looked at whether people with periodontal disease have different rates of certain cancers, including breast cancer. A 2022 meta-analysis published in the journal PeerJ, which pooled observational studies published through mid-2020, reported that periodontal disease was associated with a higher incidence of breast cancer (a pooled hazard ratio of 1.26, or roughly a 26 percent higher relative rate) and with higher overall cancer mortality.
An earlier 2018 meta-analysis in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, which combined eight observational studies involving about 168,000 people, found a relative risk of about 1.18 after adjusting for other factors. Its authors described the result as a modest positive association, not proof of cause.
The authors were careful about what those findings mean. Observational studies can show that two conditions tend to appear together, but they cannot prove that one causes the other. In the PeerJ analysis, results varied substantially from one study to the next, and the researchers found that differences in study population, study design, dental status, length of follow-up, and whether a study adjusted for smoking helped explain that variation. They called for larger, better-designed studies with longer follow-up to clarify the relationship.
Earlier headlines sometimes described this connection in dramatic terms. The more careful reading of the current evidence is that any association appears modest, and that its size can vary widely depending on how a study was designed.
Why Researchers Think the Two Might Be Connected
Scientists have proposed a few possible explanations for the association, though none has been proven. One theory centers on chronic inflammation. Periodontal disease is a long-lasting inflammatory condition, and researchers are studying whether ongoing inflammation in one part of the body may influence health elsewhere. Another theory involves oral bacteria, which can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gum tissue.
Shared risk factors may also play a role. Smoking, older age, diabetes, and obesity are linked to both gum disease and a range of other health problems, which makes it difficult to separate the effect of gum health from everything else going on in a person’s life. This is a big part of why researchers describe the relationship as an association rather than a cause.
Good Oral Health Still Matters for Your Overall Health
Whatever future research shows about breast cancer, keeping your gums healthy is clearly worthwhile. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and it is largely preventable with consistent daily habits and professional care. Your oral health habits are something you have real control over, and small choices add up. For good oral health care, you’ll need to:
- Brush twice a day. Use a soft toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste that carries the ADA (American Dental Association) Seal of Acceptance.
- Floss daily. Clean between your teeth with dental floss or another interdental cleaner every day.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Schedule professional cleanings and checkups as often as your dentist recommends, typically every six months.
If you smoke, quitting is one of the most effective steps you can take for both your gums and your overall health. You can learn more about how skipped hygiene affects your mouth in our post on what happens if you don’t brush your teeth.
How Your Dental Team Can Help
Routine dental exams give us the chance to measure the health of your gums, spot early signs of gum disease, and recommend treatment before it progresses. Professional dental cleanings remove the hardened tartar that brushing and flossing cannot, which is one of the most effective ways to keep gum disease in check.
Your dental team is not a substitute for your physician when it comes to cancer. If you have questions about breast cancer screening, your family history, or your personal risk, talk to your physician. We are always glad to coordinate with your medical providers when it supports your care.
Dr. Kris A. Johnson has cared for families in Mukilteo since 1990, and our team takes a prevention-first approach to gum health for patients of every age. Our hygiene program is built around catching problems early and helping you keep your natural teeth for life.
This October, as you think pink and schedule the screenings your physician recommends, consider adding a dental checkup to the list. Contact us online to schedule your next cleaning and exam.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Disease and Breast Cancer
Can good oral health prevent breast cancer?
No study has shown that good oral health prevents breast cancer. Some observational research has found that people with gum disease may be diagnosed with breast cancer somewhat more often, but that does not prove cause. Healthy gums support overall health, and breast cancer screening decisions should be made with your physician.
Is there a link between gum disease and breast cancer?
Studies have explored a possible association, and a 2022 meta-analysis of observational studies reported that periodontal disease was associated with higher breast cancer incidence. The authors noted that these studies cannot establish cause and effect, and that factors like smoking and age may contribute to the pattern.
Why might gum disease be associated with other health conditions?
Researchers are studying whether the chronic inflammation of gum disease, or oral bacteria entering the bloodstream, may affect health elsewhere in the body. Shared risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, and older age also make gum disease and other conditions more likely to appear together.
What are the early signs of gum disease?
Early signs include red, swollen, or tender gums, bleeding when you brush or floss, and persistent bad breath. As it progresses, gums may recede and teeth may feel loose or sensitive. Early gum disease can often be reversed with good daily care and a professional cleaning.
Should I talk to my dentist or my physician about breast cancer risk?
Talk to your physician about breast cancer risk and screening. Your dentist can help you prevent and treat gum disease, which supports your overall health, but questions about cancer risk, family history, and mammograms belong with your medical provider.
Portions of this article were originally re-posted with permission from Quick Dental Answers.
