Periodontitis is inflammation of the gums. People with a severe case of gum disease are at increased risk of some types of cancer, especially lung and colon cancer. Researchers believe it’s because the type of bacteria you have living in your mouth strongly affects the health of your immune system. This finding was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.  It included 7466 individuals, who were part of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study.  Probing depth and gingival recession were measured at six different sites in their mouth, to determine the severity of periodontitis. Results showed that people with severe periodontitis are at 24 percent higher risk of lung or colorectal cancer. What does your mouth have to do with distant parts of your body? An enormous amount. The type of bugs you have living in your mouth are similar to the bugs living in your gut. Your intestines are home to approximately 80 percent of your immune system. The health of your immune system determines whether you contract an infection, as well as your long term risk of cancer. Unfortunately modern diets, stress, antibiotics and food intolerance can lead to the overgrowth of harmful gut bugs. This can cause unpleasant gut symptoms, as well as serious health problems in the future. It is also important to keep in mind that sore or bleeding gums are a big red flag that something is wrong with your health. Nutrient deficiencies, (particularly vitamin C and vitamin D), malabsorption (due to leaky gut, food sensitivities or gut infections), immune system problems and inflammation can all be responsible for gum disease. Perhaps you need to have a careful look at your gums, and have them checked regularly by a dentist. Reference