Alzheimer’s and oral health: Don’t forget to floss!

A healthy diet and brain exercises are usually the first things that come to mind when we think about maintaining our mental sharpness and cognitive function as we age. However, there is a very strong link between good mouth health and Alzheimer’s disease. Although it may not be instantly obvious, the health of your teeth and gums can have a significant effect on the health of your brain. This blog post will talk about the link between dental health and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as why it’s good for your mental health to floss.

The Link Between Oral and Systemic

The oral-systemic connection, which recognizes the link between mouth health and general health, is becoming more well known in the medical field. One of the most important links in this chain is the one between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

Periodontal disease, which is another name for gum disease, is a long-term inflammation condition that is caused by plaque bacteria. If you don’t treat it, it leads to swelling, infection of the gums and tooth loss. Your problems don’t just stop in your mouth, though. The brain and other parts of the body can be affected by gum disease in big ways.

Alzheimer’s disease and swelling

Inflammation plays a big role in how Alzheimer’s disease starts and gets worse. Amyloid plaques, which are linked to Alzheimer’s disease, are thought to form in the brain in part because of chronic inflammation. These layers make it harder for the brain to work and can lead to cognitive loss.

When it is present, gum disease can cause inflammation all the time in the body. Oral bacteria and their byproducts may cause this systemic inflammation, which may help brain diseases like Alzheimer’s start or get worse.

What Do Oral Bacteria Do?

The germs that live in your mouth don’t just stay there. Some of these microorganisms can get into the bloodstream through gums that are bleeding or small cuts in the mouth. Once they get into the bloodstream, they can go anywhere in the body, even to the brain.

Studies have found that some mouth bacteria, like Porphyromonas gingivalis, have been found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. This shows that there may be a link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

Preventative Steps

Taking care of your teeth and gums can lower your chance of getting periodontal disease and the brain problems that come with it. Here are some things to think about:

  1. Regular dental exams: To find and treat gum disease early on, you should see your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings.
  1. To get rid of bacteria and stop gum disease, you should brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day.
  1. A balanced diet with lots of fruits and veggies is good for your teeth and body as a whole.
  1. Do not smoke: Smoking increases your chance of getting gum disease and makes inflammation worse.
  1. Take care of long-term conditions: If you have diabetes, heart disease, or any other condition that can affect your mouth health, work with your healthcare team to take care of them properly.

That being said

Alzheimer’s disease and oral health are linked, which is a good lesson that taking care of your teeth and gums isn’t just for looks. It also means keeping your brain healthy as you get older. Remember to brush your teeth, floss, and clean your mouth properly. Not only are you protecting your brain, but also your teeth and gums from the damage that comes with gum disease and inflammation.