One important thing to note about gum disease is that its consequences aren’t necessarily limited to your mouth. Research indicates that people with gum disease can have a higher risk for all kinds of health issues – and surprisingly enough, this can include Alzheimer’s. For the sake of helping you protect your oral and overall health, here’s a look at how gum disease and Alzheimer’s can be linked.
What are Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s?
Gum disease refers to an infection of the soft tissues that surround the roots of your teeth. The condition typically begins with relatively mild symptoms such as swelling and oral bleeding. However, if it’s left untreated, it can seriously damage the tissues holding your teeth in place, which can ultimately result in tooth loss.
Meanwhile, Alzheimer’s is a specific type of dementia. It involves the neurons (the cells of the brain) becoming damaged and eventually dying. It typically leads to memory loss, and over time it can also have an impact on other mental faculties such as reasoning and decision-making.
How are Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s Related?
So what do gum disease and Alzheimer’s have to do with each other? According to a recent study, a specific kind of bacteria known to cause gum disease – referred to as Porphyromonas gingivalis – was found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. Said bacteria are thought to be able to travel from the mouth to the brain by entering the bloodstream.
While inside the brain, Porphyromonas gingivalis can release harmful enzymes known as gingipains. The damage caused by said enzymes could ultimately lead to Alzheimer’s.
More research needs to be performed in order to determine whether gum disease can be considered a direct cause of Alzheimer’s. Nevertheless, it doesn’t pay to take chances with your oral or mental health; as such, it’s best to do whatever you can in order to protect your gums from infection.
What Can You Do About Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s?
There are many steps you can take to reduce your risk of suffering from gum disease, such as brushing and flossing twice a day, staying away from sugary foods, and having regular dental checkups and cleanings performed at least twice a year. If you suspect that you’ve developed gum disease, you should reach out to a periodontist to see what treatment options are available.
As for Alzheimer’s, there is currently no way to permanently cure it. That said, symptoms can be managed with the help of certain medicines. Be sure to talk to your regular physician to see what they recommend to address Alzheimer’s.
In summary, oral and mental health can be more closely related than many people realize. Be mindful of the state of your mouth as well as your mind if you wish to protect your overall well-being.
About the Author
Dr. David Handsman has been recognized as a Diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and holds membership with various other organizations such as the Massachusetts Periodontal Society. His Worcester practice, Handsman & Haddad Periodontics, offers surgical and non-surgical treatments for patients suffering from gum disease. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Handsman, visit his website or call (508) 753-5444.
