Scientists have recently discovered what appears to be a definitive link between pancreatic cancer and periodontal (gum) disease. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. because it is so difficult to treat. More than 300,000 Americans are expected to die from it this year.

The study found that men with periodontal disease have a 63% greater risk of developing deadly pancreatic cancer. The research studied 51,000 professional non-smoking males from 1986 to 2002. It may be that the chronic inflammation from periodontal disease is setting off an inflammatory response which is detrimental to overall health, or that the bacteria associated with periodontal diseases are the culprit. More research is needed to determine the actual action periodontal disease has in creating a higher risk of cancer.

At PerioPeak Innovations we are committed to ending chronic periodontal disease and the inflammation associated with it. By using an innovative approach involving advanced miniature fiberoptic technology and host modulated therapy, the periodontal inflammation and infection can be very effectively put into a remissive state for the long term…lowering the overall health risks associated with all stages of periodontitis or gum disease.

Below are recent articles about the link between periodontal disease and pancreatic cancer:

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=2813658&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312

http://www.healthandage.com/public/news/10328/Link-is-found-between-periodontal-disease-and-pancreatic-cancer.html

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=60977&nfid=rssfeeds

http://www.healthcentral.com/newsdetail/408/601047.html

One third of the population have a genetic tendancy to develop periodontal disease. Many people are born with a “sensitivity” to plaque bacteria. One could describe it as an “allergy”. For these individuals plaque bacteria causes inflammation on contact, triggering the immune system to go into hyperdrive.  This hyper-inflammatory response creates an overproduction of harmful enzymes, allowing chronic periodontal destruction to ensue.  A simple genetic test called PST can be performed. 

The PST Genetic Test identifies patients genetically predisposed to severe periodontal disease. Early detection of patients at increased risk facilitates prevention/early intervention efforts. For those patients already affected with periodontal disease, the PST Genetic Test assists a clinician in creating a personalized treatment plan. The information gained from this test can be useful for all dental professionals and their patients.

The PST Genetic Test detects specific variations in the interleukin-1A and interleukin-1B genes. The presence of these variations (a PST-positive result) increases the risk for periodontal disease 3 to 7-fold and for tooth loss 3-fold. The combination of a PST-positive test result and smoking leads to an even greater likelihood for severe periodontal disease and early tooth loss.  www.kimballgenetics.com
For more information on genetics and periodontal disease go to these sites:

www.perio.org
www.dentistry.com
www.umm.edu

The good news is that advanced technologies will now allow us to alter the usually predictably poor outcome of genetic periodontal disease. Host factors, such as genetics, must be addressed to effectively put periodontal disease into remission. No longer will only cutting the pockets out with gum surgery, or only doing perioscopy, be the entire solution for many individuals.  A synergistic approach must be incorporated involving addressing the hyper-inflammatory response. 

Individuals with a genetic predisposition must be identified before anything we do clinically will be successful long term. These individuals over-produce destructive enzymes four fold, which causes severe destruction of the periodontium. The chronic nature of this disease can fool even the most astute clinician. Damage to the periodontium can occur quickly or slowly, therefore, preventative care becomes crucial.

For more information about our unique synergistic protocol go to

How RPE works

The connection of periodontal disease and overall health has actually been “known” for 100’s of years, but now the research is starting to support that claim. Finally, the health connection has been made…the most significant movement in the history of dentistry is here and it is gaining momentum…it is long overdue!

Periodontal disease has now been linked with heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and pancreatic cancer. The list of serious health complications associated with periodontal disease is growing and the studies surrounding these findings has been given priority in recent years. The mouth afflicted with periodontal disease is full of ulcerations (periodontal pockets), and is an easy “breeding ground” for opportunistic pathogenic bacteria, which then enter the blood stream and infect other areas of the body, setting off a dangerous chronic inflammatory response in the body. These toxic bacteria have been found in the arteries of heart attack and stroke victims, and have also been found in the placenta.

The goal at PerioPeak Innovations is not only to eliminate the periodontal pockets harboring dangerous bacteria, but also to stop the chronic inflammation associated with gum disease and other serious health problems. We take a complete “cause and effect” approach which addresses all the health issues associated with periodontal disease. We successfully treat the source of the disease, not just the effect.

This insidious disease of chronic infection and inflammation should not be ignored. We can no longer take a “head in the sand” approach to periodontal disease.

Unfortunately for the person with periodontal disease, it is for the most part a painless condition, therefore it may not be discovered early enough so periodontal surgery and/or extractions may be indicated. Undiagnosed periodontal infection festering beneath the gums wreaks havoc in overall health, elevating the inflammatory mediator response, and setting off a cascade of dangerous problems.

Below are links with recent information and studies about the connection between periodontal disease and overall health:

• December 2005 - Readers Digest - “How your dentist can save your life“
• January 2006 - ADA/Colgate Begin “Oral Systemic Education Campaign“
• January 2006 - CIGNA begins “Dental Oral Health Maternity Program“
• January 2006 - Canada Begins “Just Say Gingivitis” Program“
• February 2006 - “First Joint ADA-AMA Conference“
• March 2006 - Consumer Articles Increase - “Save Your Smile and Health“
• March 2006 - Aetna-Columbia U. Research- periodontal care appears to have a positive effect on the cost of medical care, with earlier treatment resulting in lower medical costs for members with diabetes, coronary artery disease (CAD), and stroke.

It’s important to ask questions about the current condition of your gum health…it’s more important than we ever realized.