The BBC reports - Men with a history of periodontal (gum) disease were 14% more likely to develop cancer than those without. This is based on a prospective cohort study that analysed data for more than 48,000 male health professionals who had not had cancer prior to 1986 and who responded to questionnaires about periodontal disease.
Researchers concluded that "periodontal disease is associated with a small, but significant, increase in overall cancer risk" and that this increase in risk exists in men who had never smoked, but they said that "any recommendations for prevention of cancer based on these findings are premature" and further studies are needed to clarify whether periodontal disease itself causes the increase in cancer or whether it indicates some other factors.
Critics say the study included only male professionals, the results may not apply to other groups of people.
Source: "Periodontal disease, tooth loss, and cancer risk in male health professionals: a prospective cohort study." Lancet Oncology 2008; May 6 [Epub ahead of print]
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