Can Bacteria In Your Mouth Lead To Alzheimer's Disease?

It seems like the connection between oral health and overall health is becoming clearer every day.  With studies linking gum disease to systemic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure it is more important than ever to pay attention to your oral health.  

  Gum Disease May Be Linked To Alzheimer's Disease

 Periodontal (gum) disease is an important contributing factor in more and more diseases.  The latest news on the oral health and overall health relationship is that bacteria which cause gum disease may have a connection to Alzheimer’s disease.  

A recent study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, reported that evidence of gum disease causing bacteria was found in the brains of four out of ten Alzheimer’s patients.  The same evidence was not found in the brains of healthy test subjects. 

The destructive bacteria responsible for gum disease can enter the bloodstream through normal activity such as eating, brushing and invasive dental procedures.  Once the bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can travel to the brain. Since more than 50% of adults over 30 (70% of adults over 60) have some form of gum disease, it is easy to see why the link between Alzheimer’s disease and gum disease is so important. 

Gum Disease Patients Exhibit Increased Cognitive Impairment

In another study, subjects who were diagnosed with gum disease displayed increased cognitive impairment when tested at age 50 and again at age 70.  It is believed that bacterial pathogens found in gum disease create inflammation of glial cells in the brain.  This inflammation is what is believed to lead to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.  

Researchers have found that people who do not brush their teeth every day are 65% more likely to develop dementia than people who brushed their teeth three times a day.  Therefore, it seems safe to assume that practicing good oral hygiene and keeping gum disease at bay can help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia later in life. 

 The Time To Act Is Now

 Dr. Jack E. Burroughs of Forest Lane Dental is highly attuned to the oral health/overall health connection.  His practice concentrates on helping patients keep their mouth disease-free in order to help them preserve their health.  Keeping your mouth healthy can, in fact, help you live a longer, healthier life.  It’s just one more reason to see your dentist on a regular basis!