For many people, October is associated with the rich colors of fall foliage, and the blacks and oranges of Halloween. This October, you may be seeing more pink than usual, however, because it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Deborah Gennero, your Katy dentist, wants to show her support of the women and men who have valiantly battled cancer by highlighting the potential link between breast cancer and gum disease.
Research Study Shows Increased Breast Cancer in Periodontal Disease Patients
A Swedish research study conducted by the Karolinska Institutet focused on gum disease as a surprising indicator of heightened breast cancer risk. The study examined 3273 participants between the ages of 30 and 40 who were randomly selected. Chronic periodontal disease was identified in certain participants. Breast cancer was found in 5.5% of subjects who presented with missing molars as a result of gum disease. Subjects who had some level of periodontal disease, but had retained all of their teeth, had a significantly lower rate of breast cancer at 0.5%. (more…)
For most of us, having a smile that meets the status quo is desirable. There are a select few that choose to express themselves through their drastic changes in their appearance. An example of this would be die-hard vampire fanatics that have their teeth reshaped to appear as fangs. Dr. Matthew Messina, advisor to the American Dental Association (ADA) worries that filing teeth is likely to weaken tooth enamel and tooth structure, leading to serious oral health issues. Your Katy dentist, Dr. Deborah Gennero, discusses some other extreme dental fads that could have dire consequences on the future of your smile.
Last week, we discussed the importance of protecting teeth from high-impact injuries in athletics. Beverages that are marketed to athletes can present an entirely different hazard to the teeth. Sports and energy drinks have been under fire lately for their extremely high acidity levels. Dr. Deborah Gennero, your Houston family dentist, recommends that you think twice before guzzling any liquid that causes so much damage to your teeth.
