CANCER PREVENTION WITH ORAL HEALTH IN PHOENIX, AZ

Preventative Treatment of Cancer Through Improving Oral Health

Gum disease is a frequently overlooked precursor to cancers. While all body systems are interconnected, traditional dentists often fail to acknowledge the importance of the oral-systemic link. In reality, maintaining oral health can be one of the easiest ways to prevent various cancers.
Total health dentistry is available at Happy Valley Dental Studio in Phoenix and the surrounding area. We are proud to offer preventative care for oral cancer, gum disease, and more.

Contact Our Office Request an Appointment

a woman is happily hugging her mom who has cancer

Total Health Dentistry and Gum Disease

According to the Mayo Clinic, oral health is "a window to your overall health." Oral hygiene issues are often indicative of deeper, overall health issues — whether they are preexistent or soon to come. As the mouth is an entryway to the digestive and respiratory tracts, it also acts as a natural breeding ground for bacteria. Though most of these bacteria are harmless, poor oral hygiene can allow them to multiply at dangerously high levels. This may cause several kinds of oral infections, such as gum disease.

Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease. It typically begins as gingivitis, or gum inflammation, before progressing to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease. Multiple studies have shown a correlative relationship between periodontitis and various forms of cancer, including but not limited to breast cancer, digestive tract cancer, esophagus/oropharyngeal cancer, and prostate cancer. Patients should speak to a complete health dentist about their personal risk factors to catch any warning signs of disease, oral or otherwise.

With many types of cancer, patients may experience little to no symptoms until the disease has already progressed. A complete health dentist can help identify the warning signs before it is too late. All too frequently, patients may brush these off as simple pains or inconveniences. In reality, they may be something far more serious. Some of the early signs of jaw cancer, for example, include difficulty moving the jaw, increased pain, loose teeth, tooth pain, and trouble chewing. Even though non-cancerous conditions may cause such symptoms, it is always best to confirm with a doctor.

Jaw cancer is just one of multiple head and neck cancers, many of which may manifest themselves with oral symptoms. Oral and oropharyngeal cancers are also included in this group. Symptoms of such cancers involve changes in speech, chronic bad breath, difficulty moving the jaws or tongue, difficulty swallowing, ear or jaw pain, fatigue, hoarseness or change in voice, ill-fitting dentures, loosening of teeth or toothache, loss of appetite, numbness of the mouth or tongue, pain or bleeding in the mouth, persistent sore throat, red or white patches, and more. However, other types of cancer may be indicated by a patient’s oral health.

a dentist performing a complete dental examination

Total health dentistry and pre-existing cancers
Many people are unaware that cancer treatment can take its toll on the mouth. Cancer treatment may cause issues with eating, talking, and swallowing for patients — thus lessening the overall quality of life and interfering further with cancer treatment. Common symptoms of head and neck radiation include dry mouth, infections, jaw bone changes, jaw stiffness, loss of taste or changes in the way food tastes, sore mouth and gums, and severe tooth decay. Chemotherapy may lead to changes in taste, changes to the tongue (burning, peeling, or swelling), dry mouth, infection, mouth ulcers, and painful mouth and gums.

It is vital for patients to let their dentists know about any concurrent treatments they are undergoing — or any cancers that they have previously suffered. Patients should also ensure their dentists and oncologists are in contact with each other to devise the best, personalized treatment plan for them. If possible, patients should see a dentist about their month before beginning cancer treatment. This can help ensure the health of the mouth. If they have already begun radiation treatment, patients should ask their dentists about using fluoride gel and jaw muscle exercises to stay in optimal health.
What makes a complete health dentist different from a traditional dentist?
Complete health dentists vary from traditional dentists in that they look at the patient first — not just the condition. In traditional dentistry, patients are typically treated as passive recipients of care. They do not receive any education on their condition or how to improve it.
Complete health dentists emphasize the collaborative nature of a successful doctor-patient relationship. They work together to understand the healthy mouth baseline, set realistic goals, and consider the individual risk factors unique to the patient.
Is there a proven relationship between periodontal disease and cancer?
Right now, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether or not the relationship between periodontal disease and cancer is causal. However, there is certainly a correlative relationship between the two. Periodontal disease is also associated with various systemic conditions, strongly suggesting that we should not overlook the interconnectedness of the body.
What are some of the risk factors for periodontal disease?
There are various risk factors associated with periodontal disease, many of which are lifestyle-related. These involve excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and poor nutrition. Age, genetics, medications, stress, and teeth grinding may also play a factor. We can help identify your risk factors and how to work around them.
How can I lower my risk of periodontal disease?
Practicing good oral hygiene is the easiest way to protect yourself from periodontal disease. Brush your teeth at least twice daily with a fluoridated toothpaste and floss at night. Eat a balanced diet and drink fluoridated water. Practice proper brushing technique, making sure not to over- or under-brush.
What part of the mouth can get oral cancer?
Most cancers of the mouth or oral cavity occur in the floor of the mouth and tongue. However, they may also occur in the cheek lining, gums, lips, and upper or lower jaw. There is also an area right behind the mouth known as the oropharynx. Oropharyngeal cancer refers to any type of cancer that occurs behind the tongue, tonsils, and throat tissue. This makes up about one-third of all oral cancer cases.