NORTH BRUNSWICK, New Jersey – For some time now, evidence has been growing that there are associations between one’s oral health and certain deadly diseases and conditions like diabetes, heart disease, low birth weight babies and even pancreatic cancer. Now, a recent study* out of the University of Texas is pointing to protein levels in the saliva having the potential to assist in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care of breast cancer, the second leading cause of death among American women, according to the American Cancer Society.

According to the study, conducted by Charles F. Streckfus, DDS, a professor in the Department of Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston, and second-year dental student, Sebastian Z. Paige, specific protein levels in saliva tend to be higher in patients with breast cancer. A swab of saliva from the inside of the cheek is all that is needed. There is no invasive procedure or pain involved, and it can be done right in the dental office. Since patients tend to visit a dental office more frequently than a physician’s office, this test could have a great impact on the early diagnosis and monitoring of breast cancer.

“Dentists are excited at the possibility,” says Robert A. Hersh, DDS, president of the New Jersey Dental Association. “We need as many weapons as possible to aid physicians in the fight against this killer.”

Also, according to the study, salivary protein levels can be used to judge tumor response during treatment once breast cancer has been diagnosed. Decreasing protein levels may show that chemotherapy is working. And, these same saliva tests can be used to judge post-treatment success by measuring and monitoring post-treatment disease status.

Currently, blood testing is used as the gold standard in the diagnostic world. However, salivary testing has some advantages over blood testing. The study claims that saliva is a clear, colorless liquid, while blood undergoes changes in color, which may affect test results. Also, since no needle punctures are needed to collect saliva, the process is easier for both the patient and practitioner. It may also be less expensive than traditionally recognized forms of diagnosis.

This method of early diagnosis is not yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. If it does receive approval, dentists and physicians would have yet another reason to work collaboratively to help save the lives of their mutual patients. This new test may serve as an adjunct to regular mammogram screenings or blood analysis, but would not replace them.

Information linking oral health to general health continues to grow. One important goal of the New Jersey Dental Association is to increase the awareness of this important connection in an effort to improve the overall health of all citizens of New Jersey.

The New Jersey Dental Association (NJDA), a constituent organization of the American Dental Association, is among the largest state dental associations in the country. Founded in 1870, the NJDA is headquartered in North Brunswick and serves and supports its nearly 4,800 members and fosters the advancement of quality, ethical oral healthcare for the public. Two thirds of all licensed practicing dentists in the state are members of the NJDA.

SOURCE: New Jersey Dental Association

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