Have you ever considered that your oral and overall health are more closely connected than you thought? It’s proven that many of the most common problems that develop inside the mouth tend to lead to more serious issues throughout the body. An example of this is the link between poor gum health and Alzheimer’s disease. If you’re worried that your red, swollen, and bleeding soft tissues will put you at risk for cognitive decline, read on to find out what you can do to ensure that your mouth and body remain in optimal shape well into the future.
What is the Connection Between Your Gums and Brain?
It is believed there is a bacteria known as P. gingivalis (Porphyromonas gingivalis) that connects gum disease and Alzheimer’s. When present in the soft oral tissues of the mouth, it can eventually damage important neurons and cause an increase in beta-amyloid proteins that are known to exist in patients experiencing cognitive decline. When these proteins come together, it can create plaque inside the brain, resulting in the potential for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Of course, there is still much research to be done, and experts cannot definitively say that gum disease will, in fact, cause Alzheimer’s, or vice versa; however, there is a strong emphasis on the importance of good oral hygiene no matter the age of an individual. In older populations, one of the greatest concerns is that these people will be less likely to take better care of their oral health, especially if they have trouble remembering to brush, floss, and rinse regularly.
What You Can Do to Safeguard Your Smile and your Brain
No matter if you are currently living with gum disease or want to be proactive in avoiding it at all costs, there are things you can do to better protect your soft tissues and cognitive function. These include:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day for two full minutes
- Flossing at least once a day to remove harmful bacteria between your teeth
- Rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash to flush out anything left behind that brushing and flossing missed
- Avoiding tobacco products and smoking, as this can increase your risk for gum disease and oral cancer
- Maintaining a healthy diet that consists of low-fat dairy, leafy greens, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables
- Seeking gum disease treatment in Columbia if you believe your gums are already negatively impacted. Your dentist may be able to perform scaling and root planing to help restore your gum health
The idea of losing one’s cognitive function is frightening, as is the potential for bone and tooth loss that is often associated with gum disease. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk for both problems and instead, embrace a healthier life full of wonderful memories.
About the Author
As a mainstay in Columbia, Tennessee, Beck Dental Care has been helping patients achieve healthier smiles for more than four decades. Offering comprehensive services to everyone who comes through our doors, our dentist in Columbia and expert team looks forward to providing the care you need to ensure better oral health in the years to come. If you are suffering from gum disease and want help to reduce your risk for other serious health problems, visit our website or call (931) 388-8452.