Relationship between the risk of breast cancer and periodontal disease: a case–control study

Periodontal disease affects individuals' quality of life across economic, social, and psychological dimensions. Without timely and appropriate treatment, it can lead to tooth loss. This disease is potentially associated with certain types of cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between periodontal disease and the risk of breast cancer. This study examined 200 women with breast cancer and 200 healthy women over the age of 35. Age and gender were matched between the case and control groups. A questionnaire was completed for all participants, which included epidemiological indicators such as age, gender, smoking status, alcohol consumption, socio-economic and educational status, body mass index (BMI), family history of breast cancer, age at menarche, age at menopause, physical inactivity, current diseases, and past medical/dental history. Periodontal status indicators, including probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP), attachment loss (AL), and gingival index (GI), were also evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square tests, multivariate regression models, and SPSS software version 21. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all tests. The study revealed that a family history of breast cancer, early menarche, late menopause, age at first pregnancy, BMI above 25 and higher GI were significantly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. After running Step 1a of the regression model, it was found that family history of breast cancer, increased BMI and GI were significantly associated with the risk of breast cancer. However, no statistically significant differences were found regarding age, educational level, socio-economic status, smoking, BOP, and PPD in relation to breast cancer occurrence. Individuals with a positive family history of breast cancer, higher BMI, and elevated GI were significantly at greater risk of developing breast cancer.