Periodontal disease and oral cancer are two diseases that share similar risk factors. Periodontal disease starts as plaque and tarter within a person’s mouth developing into Gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums, or Periodontitis, which is an infection within the gums.

 

Oral cancer is a result of growth and storage of cells that invade and damage surrounding healthy tissue. Oral cancer appears as a lump-type growth or sore within a person’s mouth or throat and will spread throughout the body if left untreated. How a person lives influences all of the risk factors associated with periodontal disease and oral cancer, except age.

               

Alcohol

Alcohol is a risk factor for both periodontal disease and oral cancer because alcohol consumption promotes tooth decay and gum damage. Alcohol dries the teeth of the vital saliva that produces naturally to protect the teeth. Alcohol also weakens a person’s immune system allowing the increased possibility of periodontal disease and the development of oral cancer.

 

Tobacco

Tobacco in all forms has proven to be a major risk factor in relation to periodontal disease and oral cancer. Tobacco use in any form, especially when used frequently, increases a person’s risk of developing periodontal disease and oral cancer. Tobacco use will also prevent a person from receiving successful treatment for periodontal disease and oral cancer.

 

Disease

Certain diseases have proven to be common risk factors among people with both periodontal disease and oral cancer. Type one and two Diabetes is a risk factor for developing periodontal disease. A person with either type of Diabetes should make good hygiene a priority that begins at a young age. Certain versions of the Human Papilloma Virus, which is a sexually transmitted disease, are risk factors for developing oral cancer.

 

Age

Periodontal disease typically becomes recognizable after a person is over the age of thirty years old. The majority of people first diagnosed with oral cancer are over the age of forty years old. Years of poor lifestyle choices such as consuming alcohol, tobacco, and a poor diet will provide oral health damage that will combine to provide continual damage. Age without poor lifestyle choices is a natural risk factor for both periodontal disease and oral cancer because of the natural breakdown of ageing cells, and a result of a continually weakening immune system.

 

Copyright © 2016 John Mallozzi