03/07/2025
A new review published in the Medical Research Archives (June 2025) highlights a growing concern in dentistry and medicine: the link between oral biofilms and major systemic diseases like diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and pancreatic cancer. Oral biofilms are structured colonies of bacteria that stick to teeth and gums—commonly seen as plaque. While we’ve long known they cause gum disease, this study shows they may also contribute to much more serious health problems.
Researchers explain that when these biofilms cause chronic inflammation in the mouth (like in periodontitis), bacteria and inflammatory molecules can enter the bloodstream. This can disrupt other organs and systems. In patients with diabetes or kidney disease, this added inflammation may worsen their condition. Even more striking, some evidence suggests biofilm-related inflammation may influence cancer development in the pancreas.
This research reinforces the idea that oral health is directly connected to overall health. Maintaining good oral hygiene—brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits—is not just about protecting your teeth, but possibly about preventing or managing life-threatening diseases too. As dentists, this underlines our role in early detection and prevention beyond the mouth.
