Paying a visit to the dentist for many of us is not fun nor a joyride. However, findings from some recent studies are now making a dental checkup a more meaningful experience and maintaining good oral hygiene a new resolution with general health benefits.
Did you know that there is evidence showing that poor oral health is associated with a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other dementias? Among the oral diseases, mild gum disease (aka, gingivitis) and periodontitis, two conditions in which there is bacteria build-up, infection, and chronic inflammation damaging both the gums and the bone that anchors the teeth, have been found to have potentially a strong negative influence on brain health and cognitive function.
The study found that periodontitis and tooth loss were associated with a loss of volume in the hippocampus, the region of the brain involved in memory. Interestingly, hippocampus damage and dysfunction are some of the first alterations observed in the brain of an individual with Alzheimer’s disease. Importantly, the study found that replacing missing teeth with good-fitting dentures, and treating appropriately and in a timely manner periodontitis not only helps maintain proper chewing function and overall oral hygiene but also enhances brain health markers, reducing significantly the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
However, despite this evidence, we still need more research to prove in a definite manner a cause-effect relationship between oral health and brain health. Furthermore, we also still do not know whether there is a critical period in which poor oral health may impact the brain the most. Is it at a young age? Or middle age? Or at any age?
To this end, we should not forget that people with diabetes mellitus at any age should get regular dental checkups because the disease can heighten the chances of gum disease. In some cases, dentists may flag the possible onset of diabetes itself because a patient's gums are red and swollen. It is very interesting to remember how clinical studies have shown that uncontrolled type 2 diabetes in middle age is a well-recognized risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s and dementia later in life. Is diabetes increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s through gum disease? More studies are needed to answer this important question.
Bottom line: let’s keep our oral hygiene in check since it is also an important player in maintaining good brain health. So, next time we go to the dentist, just remind ourselves that we are going there not only for our mouth but also for our brain.
Domenico Praticò, MD, holds the position of the Scott Richards North Star Charitable Foundation Chair for Alzheimer’s Research and serves as a Professor and the Director at the Alzheimer’s Center at Temple, as well as a Professor of Pharmacology at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University.
For more information on the research conducted by Dr. Domenico Pratico, please visit this link.
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Stay updated with the work happening at Dr. Domenico Pratico's lab by visiting the Pratico Lab website.
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