Fear of breast cancer, or any kind of cancer for that matter, is very real and very valid. Unfortunately, there isn’t one remedy or lifestyle change that will guarantee you never get it. However, what we do know is that a collection of healthy habits can decrease the likelihood that you'll receive a diagnosis. When thinking about ways to prevent breast cancer, brushing and flossing may not immediately come to mind. However, research shows a growing connection between oral health and overall wellness, including a potential link to breast cancer prevention. While taking care of your teeth and gums is essential for keeping your smile healthy, it might also play a role in lowering your risk for serious conditions like breast cancer. Let’s explore how oral care fits into the bigger picture of cancer prevention and why developing a consistent routine could benefit more than just your mouth.
The Link Between Gum Health and Breast Cancer
Chronic inflammation is one of the biggest culprits behind a variety of health issues, including cancer. One of the most common sources of chronic inflammation is periodontal disease—a condition caused by bacteria accumulating under the gums, leading to redness, swelling, and bleeding. If left untreated, gum disease doesn’t just stay in the mouth; it releases inflammatory markers into the bloodstream, spreading throughout the body and potentially weakening the immune system.
Studies have found that women with chronic gum disease are more likely to develop breast cancer than those with healthy gums because inflammation from gum disease is believed to create an environment where harmful bacteria can thrive, making the body more vulnerable to serious diseases. This suggests that preventing gum disease through proper oral care may also reduce the likelihood of developing certain types of cancer.
How Poor Oral Health Impacts the Immune System
Your immune system is constantly working to protect you from infections and illnesses. However, when your gums are inflamed, your immune system shifts its focus to fight off the bacteria in the mouth. This can leave the rest of the body more susceptible to other infections and diseases, including cancer. Chronic inflammation caused by gum disease can also put stress on the immune system, making it harder to detect and destroy abnormal cells before they turn into tumors.
Maintaining good oral hygiene helps reduce inflammation, giving your immune system the boost it needs to focus on other areas of your health—like protecting you from cancerous cells!
Oral Care Habits that Support Cancer Prevention
So, how can you make sure your oral health routine contributes to both a healthy smile and long-term wellness? Here are some simple tips to keep your teeth and gums in great shape:
Invest in a Slate Flosser
Now that you understand how flossing aids breast cancer prevention, don’t you want to floss as effectively as possible? The Slate Electric Flosser offers a superior clean with its sonic vibrations, gum sweeps, and non-toxic woven floss. The gum sweeps clean out the pockets between your teeth while the sonic vibrations and floss remove as much plaque from your teeth as possible. The sonic vibrations also promote blood flow and gum stimulation, reducing inflammation and fighting gum disease simultaneously. We’re happy if you floss in any form, but we also want you to get the most out of flossing. Click here to buy our revolutionary 3-in-1 electric flosser.
Switch to an Electric Toothbrush
Brushing your teeth is baseline oral care, but there is always room to improve. Electric toothbrushes are substantially more effective at removing biofilm from teeth than manual toothbrushes. So if you’ve held out on buying an electric toothbrush for years, now is the time to make a change. Electric toothbrushes provide a much more comprehensive clean and you can feel the difference after just one use. We especially love Sonicare and Oral-B toothbrushes. Click here to shop our founder’s favorite electric toothbrush.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Seeing your dentist for routine cleanings and check-ups ensures that any signs of gum disease are caught early, preventing it from progressing into a chronic condition. Your dentist can also give you personalized advice on improving your oral care routine!
Stay Hydrated and Eat a Balanced Diet
Drinking water and eating foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants is one way to support gum health and reduce inflammation. Maintaining a healthy weight and diet are even listed as legitimate breast cancer prevention methods by the Mayo Clinic. Simply put, a balanced diet helps you maintain a strong immune system, making it easier for your body to fight harmful bacteria and other health threats. Every little bit helps.
Breast Cancer Awareness and the Importance of Prevention
While many factors contribute to breast cancer, focusing on what you can control—like your oral health—is a great place to start. It’s easy to think of your mouth as separate from the rest of your body, but the truth is, that oral health and systemic health are deeply interconnected. The connection between oral care and breast cancer reminds us that small, everyday habits play a big role in our overall well-being. Just as routine mammograms, self-exams, and healthy eating are essential for breast cancer prevention, so is maintaining good oral hygiene.