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Want to keep your brain healthy? Take care of your teeth and gums! A brand new study shows that too much “bad” bacteria under your gums can cause dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Somehow, gum disease seems to be preventing the body from being able to remove dementia-causing proteins from the brain. It’s very scary (and complicated) stuff, but the good news is that you can prevent gum disease – and reduce your risk of dementia – by taking good care of your oral health.
Dementia and Dental Health
The research was conducted by the NYU Dentistry School. Researchers took gum swabs and cerebrospinal fluid samples from 48 volunteers over 65 years old. People in this age group have a higher risk of both dementia and gum disease, but all participants in the study were all healthy.
The researchers then measured the amounts of “good” and “bad” bacteria. They found that people who had more of the beneficial types of oral bacteria had lower levels of amyloids. This means they have a reduced risk of experiencing dementia.
Wait, what are amyloids? “An abnormal protein … that builds up in your organs and interferes with their normal function,” says the Mayo Clinic. And we already know, because previous research has proven it, that there is a link between a buildup of amyloid proteins in the cerebral arteries and dementia. The NYU research indicates that gum disease may impact the body’s ability to purge amyloid protein buildup from the brain.
Meet The Bacteria in Your Mouth
A single mouth can be home to more than 6 billion bacteria. The bacteria live in communities, where they go about the business of life: being born, working, feeding, mating, and dying – yes, all this is happening right now in your mouth. (Hope you aren’t eating a meal while reading this!)
Your mouth has what could be described as safe neighborhoods and scary ones. Some of the scary communities are comprised of pathogenic bacteria that cause decay, gum inflammation and tooth loss.
The bad guys are Streptococcus mutans, which feed on sugar and starchy carbs and then produces acids that erode your tooth enamel. Streptococcus mutans is the main cause of tooth decay and other oral diseases. Porphyromonas gingivalis isn’t a regular resident of your mouth, but shows up when gums are diseased (Periodontitis). Left to run wild, it can damage gum tissue, the alveolar bone that supports your teeth, and according to this new research, your brain.
Protecting your Dental and Brain Health
The next step for researchers is performing clinical trials to determine whether dental deep-cleanings can prevent dementia.
Until then, the best thing you can do is maintain a good oral health routine, including seeing your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. If you have been delaying getting dental care due to cost, consider a dental savings plan, which can save plan members 10-60% on most dental procedures. Many plans also come with other wellness savings, such as discounts on prescription drugs, hearing, vision, and chiropractic care, as well as telehealth services. Getting your wellness and dental checkups is critical to your overall health! Learn more about dental savings plans here.