Breast Cancer’s Connection to Flossing

When Dr. Danny Snyder designed the Slate Electric Flosser, he wanted to provide the public with a tool that would not only improve their oral health but benefit the body as a whole. Habitual flossing is not only beneficial to your oral health but can have a significant impact on your systemic health. You might already know that consistent flossing is associated with lower risks of heart disease, lung disease, and dementia but new research has found that flossing may also help lower the risk of breast cancer.

In this blog, we’ll explore the potential link between breast cancer and flossing, how oral health can affect systemic health, and what you can do to improve your dental care.

The Impacts of Harmful Oral Bacteria

We know that maintaining good oral health is important for preventing gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath, but the condition of your mouth is also connected to your systemic health. Part of this connection is due to the bacteria that naturally reside in your mouth. When you brush and floss regularly, you help remove harmful bacteria that, if left unchecked, can lead to gum disease, inflammation, and systemic issues throughout the body.

However, if your gums are inflamed, the rest of your body becomes more susceptible to harmful bacteria that may pass through your mouth. Some kinds of oral bacteria, like Porphyromonas gingivalis, have already been found in breast cancer tumors, supporting the theory that oral health and breast cancer are connected. However, the potential effects of bacteria entering your bloodstream through your mouth are largely dependent on your gum health. Meaning, if you take good care of your gums then you can mitigate your risk.

The Role of Inflammation in Disease

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation—a long-term state of low-grade inflammation—can lead to a range of health problems. Chronic inflammation in the gums, known as periodontitis, can release inflammatory markers into the bloodstream, potentially impacting other parts of the body by making them more vulnerable to bacteria. This systemic inflammation weakens the body's defenses, creating an environment where harmful bacteria can contribute to broader health issues.

For those who understand just how much oral health affects the rest of the body, its unsurprising that researchers have found a correlation between women with chronic gum disease and an increased risk of breast cancer. A recent study in Sweden stated that the chronic periodontal disease indicated by missing molars seemed to be associated statistically with breast cancer. The study asserts the idea that a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer could be amplified by chronic gum disease. “The study analyzed and evaluated over 3000 women between the ages of 30 and 40 years over a 16-year period. Among the women who were studied, those who reported that they had suffered from chronic gum disease or had lost teeth due to periodontal disease were found to be more than two times as likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer as compared to those who had healthy gums.” We fully anticipate future studies to expand upon this field of research and are eager to learn more about the connections between gum health, gum disease, and cancer risk. However, until then, let’s explore what we already know about lowering cancer risks.

Research on PFAS & Breast Cancer

Beyond the issue of inflammation, the use of PFAS in popular dental floss is also a matter of concern. If you’re unfamiliar with PFAS click here to read our blog “Your Floss Shouldn’t Be Toxic!” 

PFAS (also called forever chemicals, due to their inability to break down in the environment) can be found in commonly used dental floss brands, including tape floss or those marketed as "slick" or easy to glide between teeth.

Because PFAS can accumulate in the body over time and are linked to hormone disruption, many are concerned about their potential role in increasing the risk of hormone-related cancers, like breast cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified some PFAS compounds as possibly carcinogenic to humans, meaning there is evidence suggesting that these chemicals could contribute to the development of cancer, including breast cancer.

Simply put, YOU DO NOT WANT PFAS IN YOUR FLOSS. Fortunately, Slate Flossers are completely free of PFAS and PTFE. Dr. Snyder was determined to build a flosser that would benefit its users’ health in every capacity. That means toxin-free materials and intentional design. 

How Slate Can Help

While the direct connection between flossing and breast cancer is still being researched, it’s clear that maintaining good oral hygiene is an important part of overall health. Reducing chronic inflammation in your body and minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals are steps you can take to lower your risk of serious health conditions like breast cancer.

The Slate Electric Flosser is a game-changer for reducing gum inflammation, preventing gum disease, and boosting overall health. Regular flossing stimulates the gums, increasing blood flow and lowering inflammation. That’s why the Slate Flosser is uniquely designed with sonic vibrations and gum sweeps to massage your gums as you floss, maximizing the health benefits.

As a dentist, Dr. Snyder understands how difficult it can be to get people to floss regularly, and even those who do floss often struggle with proper technique. He created the Slate Electric Flosser to make flossing simpler and more effective for everyone. By designing a tool that makes flossing and gum care easier, Dr. Snyder knew that patients would not only develop better oral hygiene habits but also experience systemic health improvements. If you’re committed to improving your overall health and mitigating potential risks, it’s time to invest in a Slate Electric Flosser. No other tool will provide you with faster, more thorough results. Remember, flossing is a small daily habit, but it can have a big impact on your long-term health! Click here to purchase a Slate Flosser today.