Minister links gum disease to heart problems, cancer

FRIDAY, FEB 10: Gum disease can cause heart attacks and could be a risk factor for cancer, Health Minister Zane DeSilva warned today.

Mr DeSilva said: “Research has established links between periodontal disease and bacterial pneumonia as well as heart attacks.

“More recently they even found that periodontal disease may be one of the risk factors for some cancers. Periodontal disease is like an infected open wound and bacteria from the mouth are often breathed into the lungs, swallowed or enter the bloodstream through bleeding gums.”

Mr DeSilva was speaking as he launched Oral Health Month in the House of Assembly.

He said that Bermuda rated above the World Health Organisation goals for tooth decay in children — and that work continued to keep youngsters’ teeth and gums healthy.

He added that gum disease in diabetes — a widespread disease on the island — was common and tended to show that the diabetes was not well-controlled.

Mr DeSilva said: “When we consider all these factors, it is clear that decay and periodontal disease are costly. They are not just costly to correct, but they add to the total cost of medical care and the health system.

“In fact, they have the potential to shorten life and to cause individuals to be debilitated.”

But Mr DeSilva said simple dental hygiene, lasting minutes a day — including brushing and flossing — could minimize the risk of decay and gum disease.