Take Care of Your Teeth and Gums. Oral Health Can Affect Your Brain Richard Sima - Washington Post
go to original October 17, 2023

(George Wylesol for The Washington Post))

Poor oral hygiene is associated with an increased risk for myriad health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and early death. The state of our teeth and gums, though, may be vital for our well-being beyond the mouth and body.

Emerging evidence suggests that what goes on in our mouth can affect what goes on in our brain — and may even potentially affect our risk for dementia.

“People should really be aware that oral health is really important,” said Anita Visser, professor in geriatric dentistry at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.

Severe periodontal disease — chronic inflammation of and damage to the gums and bone that support the teeth — affects about 19 percent of people older than 15 or more than 1 billion people worldwide, according to a 2022 World Health Organization report.

More research is needed, but recent observational studies have suggested that oral health may be a modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s, the most common type of dementia.

Scientists are still working out whether and how the health of our mouths and minds meld, but they have identified two potential culprits that might explain how gum disease could lead to Alzheimer’s disease: bacteria and inflammation.

The challenge of untangling the relationships between our lifestyle, our teeth and our brains remains. Until more is known, researchers stress that oral hygiene remains one of the simplest and most important ways you can take care of yourself.

For better health — and possibly for a healthier brain — keep brushing.

Read the rest at Washington Post

Related: Brush Up on How to Care For Your Teeth With These Tips From Dentists (Washington Post)

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