You’ve been told all your life how important it is to schedule teeth cleanings every six months. However, what you may not realize is that seeing your dentist on a regular basis isn’t just about protecting your teeth and gums — it’s about preserving your overall health. At Family First Dentistry, offering everything from tooth extractions to braces in the Anchorage, AK, area, they let patients know that their dental health has an impact on other areas of their well-being. In fact, there’s now evidence to suggest a correlation between poor oral health and some forms of cancer.

The Correlation Between Teeth Cleanings & Early Cancer Detection

Bacteria & Cancer

When you eat sweet foods, some of the sugar gets left behind on your teeth and other oral surfaces. If you don’t clean it away quickly, it attracts bacteria that can eat away at your teeth and gums.

Researchers have now found that harmful bacteria can also develop in the mouth when a person has pancreatic cancer. According to a recent study, patients with pancreatic cancer are more likely than the general population to suffer from dental problems like cavities or gum disease due to an increased vulnerability to bacteria.

Why Early Detection Is Important

When you get a teeth cleaning, the dentist has the opportunity to take a close look at your mouth. If they identify the presence of certain types of bacteria associated with pancreatic cancer, they can recommend seeking further medical treatment. The researchers who conducted the study referenced above concluded that by diagnosing the presence of bacteria early, patients weren’t only likely to avoid the need for tooth extractions or other dental procedures — they were also able to receive early cancer treatment.

In other words, you now have another big reason to schedule teeth cleanings every six months. At Family First Dentistry in Anchorage, they understand that when they take a close look at your teeth, they’re getting a chance to learn more about your overall health. Contact them online to make an appointment, or call (907) 562-2820 today.