You’ve probably been told your whole life that brushing and flossing are important habits for maintaining a clean and healthy set of pearly whites. But did you know that these habits influence much more than the look and feel of your smile? In fact, studies show that your oral health and brain health are quite closely linked, and issues such as gum disease can ultimately lead to serious consequences if left untreated. One such compilation is Alzheimer’s disease. Keep reading to learn more about this connection, along with some tips from your trusted dentist for keeping your smile and by proxy, your brain, in great shape.
The Connection Between Your Brain’s Health and Your Oral Health
There’s simply no way of knowing whether or not a person will develop Alzheimer’s during their lifetime; scientists don’t fully understand the disease yet, but can at least link it to certain conditions and lifestyle factors such as genetics, age, and even oral health, which is actually a huge indicator.
Though it might not seem like it, your brain and mouth have a very intricate connection. This link is clearly highlighted through the interactions that gingivitis, or the first stage of gum disease, causes. Even though gum disease is usually reversible and over 50% of all adults experience it, it can still have serious consequences for both your oral health and your brain’s wellness.
If left untreated, sub-gingival pockets can form between teeth and gums, which become filled with harmful bacteria. Once this happens, it becomes nearly impossible to eliminate, and the symptoms must be controlled and mitigated. However, what’s alarming is that research shows that a certain type of bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis) found in these pockets was also heavily present in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Tests on mice also showed how these bacteria were capable of spreading to the brain, where they destroyed neurons and reproduced many characteristics associated with Alzheimer’s.
It’s worth mentioning that this research is still ongoing and developing; however, the findings up to this point indicate that the presence of this gingival bacteria can absolutely lead to a heightened risk of brain health problems including and/or adjacent to Alzheimer’s disease.
Tips for Effectively Preventing Gum Disease
Simply put, protecting your brain’s health starts with diligent oral hygiene and the prevention of gum disease. Here are some tips worth considering:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes every morning and evening using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Floss daily; this habit is just as important as brushing and allows you to clear out debris and bacteria that your toothbrush cannot reach.
- Rinse your mouth daily with an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Monitor your intake of sugary and acidic foods and beverages and opt for a healthier diet when possible. Also, be sure you’re drinking plenty of water.
- Avoid harmful oral habits like smoking and using tobacco.
- Visit your dentist for routine preventive care and reach out to them for assistance if you’re showing signs of gum disease, including redness, inflammation, sensitivity or gums that bleed easily. They’ll be able to come up with a gum disease treatment plan to assist your oral health—gum disease will not clear up on its own!
Although gum disease isn’t always the cause of Alzheimer’s or other similar issues, research clearly shows that there is a discernable link between gum disease and brain health—meaning that you should strive to take care of your gums and pearly whites to better protect your brain!
About University Dental Group
Our talented team here at University Dental Group is excited to offer patients and families in the Worcester, MA community an exceptional level of dental care! We offer a wide range of treatment options including periodontal therapy to assist you and your loved ones with addressing stubborn gum disease and other related issues. If you have any questions about the article or you’d like to schedule a visit, feel free to contact us online or over the phone for additional information! Telephone: (508) 372-8663.