Can Dental Care Reduce Your Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease?
We all know we need to see a dentist, but what you may not know is that dental care is not only about your teeth and gums. Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. Poor dental health has been directly linked to the development of other health issues, such as rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease. Taking care of your teeth plays a direct role in your long-term wellness.
Recently, a few studies pointed to yet another issue that could be related directly to poor dental health: Alzheimer’s Disease. It’s a finding that may completely change how we view this form of dementia, and could also play a role in what we can do to both treat it and prevent it.
The Link Between Dental Health and Alzheimer’s
Gum disease is caused by a buildup of bacteria in between the teeth. One of those bacteria – P. gingivalis – is responsible for gingivitis, the first stage of other more serious forms of gum disease. That bacteria, P. gingivalis, is also the same bacteria that is found in plaque over the brain found in Alzheimer’s patients.
These results were seen in multiple studies. Follow up studies were able to confirm this in rats, showing the pathway that the bacteria was able to take in order to eventually reach the brain, and that rats that had this bacteria in their brain also experienced a similar form of memory loss.
Oral Healthcare May Be a Key Factor in Disease Prevention
Your teeth and gums are important. Dental pain is one of the most severe forms of pain in the body, and poor dental hygiene can lead to tooth loss, staining, cavities, and other issues. But what these studies show is that taking care of your teeth isn’t just about avoiding cavities and making sure your teeth are healthy. Though more research is needed, it’s possible that dental care may help you prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s as well. That’s why it’s so important to care for your teeth, by:
- Brushing
- Flossing
- Eating Healthy
- Seeing a Dentist
Most people know how important it is to see a dentist for their oral health. But now, there are even more reasons to believe that dental care is important.
We at Dr Jammua’s Antigua dentistry give you the best possible dental care with the best advice. We can be reached at 562 4972 or 5972.
