Reducing Dementia Risk: The Link Between Oral Health and Cognitive Decline Reducing Dementia Risk

Visiting the dentist regularly can reduce the risk of dementia

One of the more speculative ideas on how to reduce dementia risk comes from research into bugs in the mouth.

A recent study in the US found that people with gum disease and mouth infections were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s, the most common cause of dementia.

Other studies suggest a link between poor oral health and an increased risk of developing dementia in later life.

The research suggests that bacteria associated with gum disease can enter the bloodstream and potentially damage the brain, leading to cognitive decline.

Work is now underway to check whether bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis help drive the condition, or simply proliferate in people in the early stages of dementia.

If bacteria raise the risk, there will be even more reasons to properly brush and floss twice a day.

Four Essential Steps to Follow

Here are four things you can do to take care of your oral health:

• Brush your teeth twice a day after food: This helps remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums.
• Brush your gums; use an interspace manual brush or an interspace electric head – this will minimize gum disease and gingivitis.
• Floss daily: Flossing helps remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth which your toothbrush can’t reach. If you have larger gaps then use interdental sticks or brushes.

Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental check-ups can help catch any potential problems early and keep your teeth and gums healthy.

By following these simple steps, you can help protect your oral health and reduce your risk of developing gingivitis. Remember, taking care of your teeth and gums now can have a big impact on your overall health and well-being in the future.

The XX Brain

A very good book that we would like to recommend to those who would like to go deeper into the subject is The XX Brain: The Groundbreaking Science Empowering Women to Maximize Cognitive Health and Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease by Lisa Mosconi.

This book focuses on women’s cognitive health and how to optimize brain function.

It highlights the importance of factors such as diet, sleep, exercise, and stress management in preventing cognitive decline and reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

The book also explores the link between poor oral health and an increased risk of developing dementia in later life, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene habits.

At Longwood House dental practice, we strongly encourage our patients to prioritize their oral health as a means of promoting overall health and well-being. There are links between Gum disease and diabetes, Blood pressure, premature births, and dementia.

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing dental problems such as cavities and gum disease.

By visiting our practice, you can receive personalised care and attention from our team of dental professionals who are committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health. We are dedicated to providing a comfortable and welcoming environment for our patients and utilizing the latest techniques and technologies to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Don’t neglect your oral health – schedule your next appointment with us today and take the first step towards a healthier smile!

If you would like to have a consultation call us at 020 8551 0088 to book your appointment. We will also be happy to answer any questions you may have.

References

Beydoun M, et al. Clinical and bacterial markers of periodontitis and their association with incident all-cause and Alzheimer’s disease dementia in a large national survey. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. 2020;75(1):157-172. doi: 10.3233/JAD-200064.

National Institute of Aging (2020), “Large study links gum disease with dementia”  Available at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/large-study-links-gum-disease-dementia

Note

We regularly have offers on dental hygiene so check our Offers and Promotions page to find out if you can take advantage of any of our special offers