The mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. This means, if you are experiencing gum disease, it can have a negative impact on your overall wellbeing. It has even been linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Continue reading to learn more about the connection between gum disease and brain health as well as some steps to keep your gums healthy going forward.
How Are Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s Related?
The earliest stage of gum disease is known as “gingivitis.” This is common and affects about half of adults over the age of 30. However, the effects are usually reversible if you seek treatment early. When left untreated, this can progress to periodontitis, where subgingival pockets develop between the teeth and gums. This fills with bacteria and can be challenging to completely get rid of.
There is a certain type of bacteria found in periodontitis that is also present in the brains of those who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. This is called Porphyromonas gingivalis. A U.S. pharmaceutical company, Cortexyme, performed an experiment on mice to show how these bacteria spread to the brain and result in the features of Alzheimer’s disease.
How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?
Gum disease is very common and preventable. Here are some steps you should be taking to keep your gums healthy:
- Brush Twice Daily: Brush after meals to remove food debris and plaque from your teeth. Don’t forget to give your tongue a brush as well.
- Floss: Your toothbrush cannot reach all area of your mouth. This is why it is so important to floss. This way, you can remove food debris from beneath the gumline and between the teeth.
- Mouthwash: Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash can help to rinse away some of the lingering food particles that were missed when brushing and flossing.
- See Your Dentist: Seeing your dentist on a regular basis is necessary for excellent oral health. During your professional cleaning, your dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildups, and your dentist can detect early signs of gum disease so it can be treated before becoming serious.
- Know Your Risk: Many factors can contribute to the risk of periodontal disease. This includes your age, lifestyle habits, diet, and genetics. If you are at higher risk, this is something to bring up with your dentist.
Gum disease can result of many serious health issues, including Alzheimer’s disease. Fortunately, with excellent oral hygiene and some help from your dentist, you can maintain healthy gums!
About the Author
Dr. Vincenzo Artino earned his dental doctorate from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Since then, he has remained committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and still sharp. If you struggle with gum disease, he would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Lakewood, visit his website or call (303) 238-2800.