As our population continues to age and live longer, brain health has increasingly become a hot topic. As reported in SELF Magazine, science suggests a daily practice that may help us ward off dementia: proper care of our teeth and gums. Research suggests that those who suffer from periodontal (gum) disease — and who are hosts to antibodies to disease-causing bacteria — are more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or show symptoms of mild cognitive impairment or dementia than those without oral-health problems.
The authors of the article, Erica Sloan and Dr. Jessica Ailani, go on to explain that MRI studies have revealed that people in various stages of gum disease had more brain features associated with dementia risk than those with healthier gums. This research only confirms what already makes sense: Our mouth is a portal to the rest of the body, meaning that when something goes wrong within it, the effects can quite literally spread to other organs, including the brain.
Of course regular brushing and flossing are the foundation of oral health, but there is no substitute for professional cleaning and regular check-ups.
Read the article for the full story, and don’t forget to book your next cleaning!
