Research has shown that women with periodontal disease are at higher risk of developing breast cancer. This has been reported by the American Association for Cancer Research. Periodontal disease is extremely common and causes inflammation in the gums, which can lead to pain or bleeding. Sometimes the symptoms are very subtle, so a person doesn’t even know there is a problem. That’s one reason why it is so important to see a dentist for a regular check up. In this particular study, researchers analysed health data from 73,737 postmenopausal women who had enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study. After a period of 6.7 years, the rate of breast cancer was 14 percent higher in women who had periodontal disease. Other studies have linked gum disease with a heightened risk of type 2 diabetes, stroke and heart disease. It’s 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. All these conditions can also raise the risk of serious health problems. Have you had your gums checked recently? Reference