You've probably never considered how your oral health can impact your brain health, but here's a reason to keep up with your dentist appointments: gum disease may increase your odds of developing dementia, according to a new study.
In a review of 47 previously published studies, researchers in Finland found that tooth loss, deep pockets around teeth in the gums, or bone loss in the tooth sockets was tied to a 21% higher risk of dementia and a 23% higher risk of milder cognitive decline.
Tooth loss itself — an indicator of gum, or periodontal, disease — was linked to a 23% higher risk of cognitive (mental) decline and a 13% higher risk of dementia, according to the study.
"Maintaining adequate periodontal health, including retention of healthy natural teeth, seems to be important also in the context of preventing cognitive decline and dementia," says lead researcher Sam Asher, from the Institute of Dentistry at the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio.
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Asher notes that the study can't prove that gum problems actually cause dementia. Still, prevention and treatment of periodontal conditions are particularly important in older adults who are at increased risk for dementia, he shares.
About 10% to 15% of the global adult population has gum inflammation known as periodontitis, the researchers pointed out in background notes. In severe cases, it leads to tooth loss, and prior research has linked it to heart disease and diabetes.
Dr. Sam Gandy, director of the Mount Sinai Center for Cognitive Health in New York City, says, "There is growing evidence that somehow systemic inflammation and brain inflammation are linked."
Periodontal disease, systemic viral illnesses, including herpes, COVID-19 and inflammatory bowel syndrome, among others, are capable of triggering brain inflammation, says Gandy.
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"These associations do not necessarily involve direct invasion of the brain by microbes, but we still understand relatively little about the molecular basis for how systemic inflammation aggravates brain inflammation," he adds.
However, there is good news. Many of your oral health concerns can be addressed before you begin to experience cognitive decline.Here's how:
1. Tooth loss
As you probably guessed, tooth loss can be prevented through proper oral care. This includes:
- Brushing your teeth for 2 minutes 2 times a day
- Cleaning between your teeth once a day
- Visiting your dentist regularly
- Wearing a night guard while you sleep (if you have bruxism)
- Using a mouth guard while you play sports
On the other hand, if you have a chronic disease, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, or suffer from dry mouth, it may be harder to prevent tooth loss. In this case, you should consult with your dentist to see if there are any solutions you can try.
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2. Deep pockets
Changing just a few of your lifestyle habits can dramatically prevent your risk of developing deep pockets. Here's how to do so:
- Brush at least twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush or an electric toothbrush.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste.
- Use a mouthwash that fights and dissolves plaque.
- Floss regularly to remove bacteria and food particles from between teeth.
- If you have dry mouth, use a mouthwash that doesn’t contain alcohol. You can also try chewing sugar-free gum, sipping water, and avoiding caffeine.
- Stop all tobacco use.
- Eliminate sugary foods and drinks from your diet.
- If you eat candy, drink soda, or any other sugary substances, always brush immediately afterward.
- Avoid junk food and eat a healthy diet that contains lots of fruits, vegetables, and other foods containing vitamin C.
- See your dentist regularly (about once every 6 months) for a deep, professional tooth cleaning.
If you do develop pockets, talk with your dentist about your treatment options. Your treatment will be determined by the size and depth of the periodontal pocket and the condition of your gums and bone.
3. Bone loss
Bone loss can be caused by a number of things including tooth loss, periodontal disease, and damage caused by trauma i.e. accidents, and assaults. Smoking can also cause bone loss.
The good news, however, is that bone loss can be prevented before it even starts with good home dental care and oral hygiene, proper tooth brushing, interdental cleaning with dental floss and/or interdental brushes, and a healthy diet and lifestyle. Quitting or avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol will also help.
Already experiencing bone loss? Proper periodontal therapy in combination with good home oral hygiene (proper tooth brushing, flossing and interdental cleaning) can prevent tooth loss and even regrow some of the bone loss you've experienced.
As you can see there are a lot more benefits to keeping our mouths clean than preventing bad breath. Luckily, in most cases, keeping a healthy mouth is fairly simple.
