Key takeaways about the connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease:
- Gum disease, also called periodontitis, is a chronic oral health condition that can affect more than your mouth.
- Research has found that having gum disease may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease through inflammation and bacteria that can migrate to the brain.
- Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits can help prevent gum disease and support long-term health.
Chances are, Alzheimer’s disease has touched your life in some way, whether through a parent, grandparent, or someone you love. It’s the most common cause of dementia in adults over 65 and one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States.
What makes this disease even more complex is how much we still need to learn about it, including how and why it develops. Research is uncovering a surprising connection between the health of your mouth and the health of your brain, making oral health even more important.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly erodes memory, thinking, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. It’s the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60 to 80 percent of all cases, and primarily affects adults over the age of 65.
The disease is caused by the buildup of abnormal proteins in the brain that disrupt communication between brain cells and eventually cause them to die, leading to cognitive decline over time.
While the risk factors behind Alzheimer’s disease are still not fully understood, the National Institute on Aging suggests that “the causes probably include a combination of age-related changes in the brain, along with genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.”
One risk factor that catches many people by surprise is the link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
The connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease
Periodontitis, commonly known as gum disease, is more than an oral health problem. It’s a chronic inflammatory condition that progressively damages the structures supporting your teeth, leading to bleeding gums, recession, and eventual tooth loss. However, the consequences of leaving it untreated may extend beyond your mouth.
Emerging research suggests a strong connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, a study out of IBRO Neuroscience Reports states, “The risk of developing AD is reported to double within a decade following a diagnosis of periodontitis, underscoring the importance of effective periodontal disease (PD) management in potentially reducing AD risk.”
While the relationship is not yet fully understood, growing evidence suggests that the connection between these two conditions is driven by chronic inflammation associated with gum disease, along with harmful bacteria that can travel from the mouth to the brain. Notably, the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis has been detected in the brain tissue of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, indicating that long-term oral infections may play a role in triggering neurological inflammation.
While more research is needed, the current results are surprising. They show that treating and preventing gum disease may one day prove to be a meaningful strategy in reducing Alzheimer’s risk.
How to reduce the risk of gum disease
Minimizing the risk of gum disease, and possibly Alzheimer’s disease, starts with good oral health habits and routine check-ups with your dentist.
Brushing twice and flossing once daily is a great way to prevent or even reverse gum disease if it’s in the earliest stages, called gingivitis. Your dentist will keep tabs on any disease progression and give you advice on how to take care of your gums and teeth.
If gum disease has moved beyond the early stages into periodontitis, it’s time to take action. The good news is that treatment options exist for every stage of the disease, from deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced interventions like pocket reduction surgery or bone grafting.
These treatments can help reduce the risk of bacteria migrating to different parts of your body, including your brain.
Your oral health is about more than your smile
While more research is needed, it’s clear that there is a connection between the state of your mouth and your brain health. Oral health is deeply connected to your overall well-being and possibly, your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
The good news is that gum disease is largely preventable and, in many cases, treatable when detected early. Keeping up with brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits could be one of the most important steps you take toward protecting your health for years to come.
Ready to learn more about the connection between your smile and body? Check out “A winning team: The mouth and body powerhouse”.