Oral hygiene may protect against dementia.

Oral hygiene may protect against dementia.

Taking Care of Your Teeth: A Key to Protecting Your Memory

Taking care of your oral health goes beyond having a beautiful smile – it has a direct impact on your overall well-being, including your memory. Not only has poor oral health been associated with heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and preterm birth, but recent research has also discovered a link between gum disease, tooth loss, and memory problems later in life.

A study conducted by Dr. Satoshi Yamaguchi, an associate professor at Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry in Sendai, Japan, revealed that individuals with gum disease or tooth loss showed evidence of shrinkage within the hippocampus, a vital brain area responsible for memory functions. The study examined 172 participants with no memory problems initially, and their dental health and brain scans were assessed over a four-year period.

While the study did not conclusively establish a cause-and-effect relationship between gum disease/tooth loss and dementia or memory problems, previous research suggests that ongoing inflammation may play a significant role. Additionally, the pathogens from periodontal disease might potentially invade the brain and damage nerve tissue. Furthermore, fewer teeth resulting from gum disease can decrease chewing stimulation, leading to brain atrophy.

Specifically, the study found that individuals with mild gum disease and fewer healthy teeth, or severe gum disease and more healthy teeth, experienced a faster rate of shrinkage in the left hippocampus. Losing just one tooth due to mild gum disease accelerated brain aging by nearly a year, whereas for individuals with severe gum disease, the loss of one additional tooth aged the brain by 1.3 years.

Dr. Yamaguchi emphasizes the importance of retaining a higher number of healthy teeth without periodontal disease to protect brain health. Regular dental visits are crucial to managing the progression of gum disease, and teeth severely affected by periodontal disease may need to be extracted and replaced with appropriate dentures.

• Almost half of the tap water consumed by Americans is contaminated ...
• Loneliness can harm the hearts of people with diabetes.
• Nearly half of obese teenagers saw a reduction in their weight afte...

Health experts, including Dr. Saul Pressner, a dentist in New York City, and Percy Griffin, director of scientific engagement at Alzheimer’s Association, confirm the significance of these findings. Dr. Pressner suggests that maintaining good oral hygiene, which includes daily flossing, using a water flosser, and scheduling regular dental checkups, can prevent the onset and progression of periodontal disease.

However, it’s important to note that more extensive research in larger and diverse populations is needed to draw definitive conclusions regarding the relationship between oral health and cognitive decline. Griffin emphasizes that while good oral hygiene may not directly reduce the risk of developing memory problems, it is essential for overall health and healthy aging.

In addition to oral hygiene, there are other modifiable lifestyle factors that can contribute to reducing the risk of thinking and memory problems as we age. Engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle can all play a role in protecting our cognitive function.

To ensure your brain health as you age, it’s crucial to prioritize your oral hygiene. Visit your dentist regularly, follow a comprehensive oral care routine, and seek appropriate treatment for gum disease. By taking care of your oral health, you are not only preserving your smile but also safeguarding your memory and overall well-being.

Sources:

• Yamaguchi, S., et al. (2023). Tooth loss, gum disease may be tied to increased risk of memory problems. Neurology. Read Here
• Alzheimer’s Association. Protect Your Brain Health