Hollywood Star Patrick Swayze, Count Basie, Luciano Pavarotti, Tiger Woods' Father, Earl Woods Died of Pancreatic Cancer

CERRITOS, CA--(Marketwire - Nov 1, 2011) - A 16-year Harvard Medical School study of 51,000 men reported that "men with severe periodontal disease had a 64% higher risk of pancreatic cancer compared to those who didn't have periodontal disease." (Journal of the National Cancer Institute)

Among men who never smoked, having acute periodontal disease led them to being twice as likely to get pancreatic cancer. This factor helped convince the researchers that periodontal disease and pancreatic cancer were linked. One possible explanation is that the same bacteria that causes gum disease may trigger inflammation of the pancreas, encouraging cancerous cells to grow and thrive. Additional studies indicate a link between gum disease and heart attacks, diabetes, lung disease and pre-term births.

"The research indicates the possibility that successful treatment of periodontal disease could decrease people's risk of pancreatic cancer," says Robert H. Gregg, II, DDS, co-founder of the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, an organization not involved in the study. "We need to educate the public. Numerous people with untreated gum disease put their lives at risk. About 50 million Americans have moderate to severe gum disease, and 40% of them don't even know they have it."

"We don't know if Swayze, Basie, Pavarotti were ever treated for gum disease, but today there is a safe and effective laser treatment option, the LANAP^® protocol, that can help treat gum disease and restore oral health and potentially lower the risk of pancreatic cancer," said Dr. Gregg.

ABOUT THE LANAP® PROTOCOL: The LANAP® protocol is the first and only specific laser periodontal protocol to receive FDA clearance; it has been in increasing use by the dental community since its inception by dentists Robert H. Gregg II and Delwin K. McCarthy in 1990. The LANAP® protocol is typically performed to treat moderate to severe periodontitis. During treatment, a tiny laser fiber (about the thickness of three human hairs) is inserted between the tooth and the gum to clear away infection and disease without cutting. Tooth roots are thoroughly cleaned of tartar and plaque, and the laser is used again with a different setting to create a stable, firm fibrin blood clot to seal the pocket. Unlike conventional scalpel/suture flap surgery, LANAP® treatment requires just one or two brief sessions and preserves much more healthy gum tissue. Patients can often return to their regular daily activities immediately following the procedure. The technique offers powerful benefits, including higher patient acceptance and clinically proven bone regeneration that result in lasting health improvements. For more information, visit www.LANAP.com.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED LASER DENTISTRY (IALD): The Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry is an internationally recognized non-profit educational and research center dedicated to providing evidence-based clinical training in advanced laser dentistry therapies. Formed in 1999 by dentists Robert H. Gregg II and Delwin K. McCarthy, the IALD is both ADA CERP and AGD PACE accredited, and is committed to its continuing education (CE) programs. The IALD includes more than 20 certified instructors who train dental professionals in laser dentistry techniques including the LANAP^® protocol. In addition, the organization aims to reach more underserved patients with gum disease who have avoided therapy out of fear by offering free treatment to qualified patients who can benefit from the no-cut, no-sew, no-fear LANAP® protocol -- providing about $750,000 in free dental services each year. The IALD's ultimate goal is for the percentage of patients seeking treatment for periodontitis to reach the percentage of patients seeking general dental care. For more information, please visit www.theiald.com.

Editor's Note: Interviews with Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry spokespersons are available to provide public awareness about the link between periodontal disease and pancreatic cancer; as well as how taking charge of oral health may decrease risks for pancreatic cancer, stroke, heart attack, preterm births, lung disease and diabetes; and how laser gum disease treatments such as the LANAP® protocol can save lives by reducing specific oral bacteria. To schedule an interview, or for more information, contact Leslie Licano at 949.733.8679.