The negative effects of poor dental health on your overall health and quality of life have already been well-established. However, a new study suggests that poor dental health may also be linked to Alzheimer’s disease: a devastating illness that causes confusion, dementia and a variety of other symptoms.
The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in the United Kingdom and was published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. Researchers examined brain samples from ten people who had dementia as well as brain samples from ten people who did not have dementia. Examination of the brain samples revealed the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis in the samples of the brains affected by Alzheimer’s Disease. This type of bacterium is usually associated with chronic periodontal disease. The presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis in the samples of the brains affected by Alzheimer’s Disease suggests that patients with poor dental health (periodontal disease) may be more at risk for developing Alzheimer’s Disease than people with healthy teeth and gums.
This is not the first study to link poor dental health to an increased risk for Alzheimer’s Disease. It highlights the importance of practicing good daily oral hygiene and getting regular, preventive dental healthcare. The best way to ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy and free of periodontal disease is to brush your teeth thoroughly at least two times per day and to floss your teeth thoroughly at least once per day. Getting regular, professional dental cleanings can also help to remove the bacteria that can build up on the surface of your teeth, leading to dental problems such as periodontal disease.
For more information about the link between poor dental hygiene and Alzheimer’s or how you can decrease your risk of periodontal disease, talk to your dentist today.
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