{"id":425,"date":"2022-06-24T18:06:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-24T18:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.centerdds.com\/blog\/?p=425"},"modified":"2022-06-28T18:09:53","modified_gmt":"2022-06-28T18:09:53","slug":"link-between-alzheimers-and-gum-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.centerdds.com\/blog\/link-between-alzheimers-and-gum-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring the Link Between Alzheimer’s and Gum Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Oral<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Your whole life, you\u2019ve been told that brushing your teeth is important for ensuring a healthy and happy mouth. But did you know that oral hygiene influences much more than just your smile? In fact, research indicates that your oral health and your brain are more closely linked than you might think. A new study suggests that gum disease, when left unchecked, might actually lead to Alzheimer\u2019s disease in certain patients! Keep reading to learn more from your dentist<\/a> about this curious connection, along with some tips for ensuring that your mouth and brain are as healthy as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Connection Between Alzheimer\u2019s and Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and occurs when bacterial plaque on the surface of the teeth causes the gums to become inflamed. Over 50% of adults experience gingivitis, and it\u2019s usually quite treatable. However, like other oral health concerns, gum disease can lead to some serious problems if left untreated. \u201cSub-gingival pockets\u201d can form between your teeth and gums, and they are filled with bacteria and evidence that the gingivitis has progressed into periodontitis. When this happens, it becomes a matter of controlling the problem, as it\u2019s nearly impossible to fully cure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A recent study from Science Advances<\/a><\/em> found that these pockets can carry a certain type of bacteria called Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis). This bacterium was also present in the brains of patients with Alzheimer\u2019s, and the study traced in mice how this bacterium can spread to the brain and reproduce the characteristic symptoms of the disease. Even though the evidence isn\u2019t entirely bulletproof, the signs do point to this bacterium originating in the gums and eventually spreading to the brain and contributing to cognitive decline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips For Maintaining a Healthy Smile (and Brain)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, the researchers were able to clear the P. gingivalis infection from the brains of mice using a special molecule, which means treatment is a developing possibility! However, there are plenty of tips and practical things you can do yourself to protect your gums and in turn, your brain. Consider the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n