Researchers are discovering a strong connection between gum disease and dementia. Recent studies found that the plaque associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) may be produced in direct response to gum disease.1
MOUTH BODY CONNECTION
Alzheimer’s Disease and Oral Health: Fend Off a Killer with a Toothbrush
2 min readIn This Article
“Over a ten-year period, chronic periodontitis is associated with a 70% increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease, similar to the risk from tobacco use or obesity,” says Steven Masley, MD (author of The Better Brain Solution).
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, someone in the United States is diagnosed with AD every 65 seconds, and it kills more people than breast and prostate cancers combined.2 Yet this formidable killer might be fended off with a toothbrush.
The fact that maintaining good oral health can protect against dementia is great news for older adults who are looking for ways to prevent cognitive decline.
For people diagnosed with AD, maintaining oral health can be challenging. In some cases, involving caregivers can help patients stay on top of twice-daily brushing, flossing, and regular professional care. This is critical because studies have found patients who kept gum disease at bay experienced a slower progression of disease than those who had periodontitis.3
The more researchers learn about the connection between brain health and oral health, the clearer it becomes that patients win when dentists and doctors work together for whole body health. For example, using OralDNA Labs®, Smile Generation-trusted dentists now look for pathogens in patients’ saliva, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, that may contribute to AD. This will help patients determine whether they are at increased risk of developing the disease.4
Knowing your risk can empower you to take proactive steps to prevent the onset of AD, including seeing a neurologist, exercising, staying socially active, eating a healthy diet – and, of course, taking care of those pearly whites.
Patients win when dentists and doctors work together for the Mouth-Body Connection.
Find your trusted, local dentist today!
Sources
- National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Large study links gum disease to dementia. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/large-study-links-gum-disease-dementia
- Alzheimer's Association. (2015). 2015 Alzheimer's disease facts and figures. National Institutes of Health. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25984581/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Leading causes of death. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htm
Smile Generation blog articles are reviewed by a licensed dental professional before publishing. However, we present this information for educational purposes only with the intent to promote readers’ understanding of oral health and oral healthcare treatment options and technology. We do not intend for our blog content to substitute for professional dental care and clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment planning provided by a licensed dental professional. Smile Generation always recommends seeking the advice of a dentist, physician, or other licensed healthcare professional for a dental or medical condition or treatment.
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