Connection between Good Oral Health and Prevention of Breast Cancer

You may wonder why there is too of the pink color in the month of October. It is due to the fact that October has been designated as the month in which the ways to prevent breast cancer are to be talked about. The pink ribbons and pink color in general are shown for the purpose of spreading awareness about breast cancer and to raise funds for the research for effective prevention and treatment of this deadly disease.

The danger is real

While you may wonder why there was a need to designate an entire month for a disease. This is done for the purpose of telling people that breast cancer risk is quite real. Although there is good news that the rate of breast cancer started decreasing in 2000 and it is still on the downward spiral, the current stats are still alarming. Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer the American women are affected from. According to an estimate, 1 in every 8 women gets this disorder developed in their bodies during a lifetime.

Ageing process and lifestyle choices are the main reasons for development of this disease in the body. However, it can be prevented with simple and small changes. One among those changes is to floss your teeth on daily basis.

Good oral health can be really helpful

Studies have shown that there is a deep connection between bad oral health and breast cancer risk. According to a study, a person with periodontal disease or poor oral health is 11 times more likely to develop breast cancer.

Good news is that you can take control of your oral health and improve it with the help you your dentist. Preventative care and timely action taken in case any issue arises can help you stay away from getting the periodontal disease developed. A few things that you will have to ensure in this regard are as follows:

1. Make sure that you brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and ADA approved toothpaste. Fluoride toothpastes are quite appropriate in this regard.
2. The interdental spaces in your teeth also need to be cleaned well. For this purpose, you will have to floss for at least once in a day.
3. Make sure that you visit your dentist after every six months. This dental visit will help you know not only about your oral but also about the overall health.

Breast cancer is a serious risk which needs to be avoided. Thus, every little thing which can help you in preventing this disorder matters.