Newsweek Reports: Scientists Draw Connection Between Dental Health and Dementia

If you thought bad breath was the most severe repercussion of neglecting your dental hygiene, think again: Gum disease and tooth loss may lead to brain shrinkage.

Neglecting dental hygiene can lead to more severe consequences than just bad breath, as recent research indicates a connection between gum disease, tooth loss, and brain shrinkage, particularly affecting the hippocampus, a key area for memory. This finding, stemming from a study by Japanese scientists, highlights the potential impact on cognitive health, such as memory loss, which is often seen in Alzheimer's patients. Alarmingly, almost half of U.S. adults over the age of 30 show symptoms of gum disease, with 9% suffering from advanced stages, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Understanding Gum Disease and Its Implications

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth. It often begins with gingivitis, the mildest form, and can progress to periodontitis, leading to tooth loss if untreated. The bacteria involved in gum disease can enter the bloodstream, potentially affecting other parts of the body, including the brain.

Cost of Dental Care and Prevention

Preventative dental care is crucial in mitigating the risks associated with gum disease. Costs for routine cleanings and check-ups typically range from $75 to $200, depending on the dentist and location. Treatments for more advanced gum disease, such as scaling and root planing, can range from $500 to $4,000, depending on severity and treatment complexity. Dental insurance often covers preventative care and part of these treatment costs.

Local Tips for Maintaining Oral Health

• Regular dental visits: Schedule bi-annual check-ups with your dentist to catch any early signs of gum disease.
• Daily oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily and floss regularly to remove plaque and prevent gum disease.
• Healthy diet: Limit sugary foods and incorporate more fruits and vegetables to maintain good oral health.
• Quit smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for gum disease and quitting can improve oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can gum disease affect overall health?

Besides dental issues, gum disease has been linked to other health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and now potential cognitive decline.

Can gum disease be reversed?

In its early stage, gingivitis, gum disease can be reversed with proper dental care and hygiene. Advanced stages may require more intensive treatment.

What are the signs of gum disease?

Signs include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, and loose teeth. If you experience these symptoms, consult a dentist promptly.

According to a study conducted by scientists in Japan, gum disease and tooth loss appear to be linked to a reduction in size of the hippocampus, a part of the brain responsible for memory that is frequently affected in Alzheimer’s patients.

It is estimated that nearly half of all U.S. adults over 30 display symptoms of gum disease, while 9 percent exhibit signs of advanced gum disease, as per data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Simultaneously, Alzheimer’s is ranked as the sixth top cause of death among adults in the U.S.

But what is the connection between our dental and brain health?

Satoshi Yamaguchi, a researcher at Tohoku University and author of the study, explained to Newsweek that “prior studies have revealed that chronic inflammation outside the brain may escalate the risk of dementia and facilitate hippocampal atrophy or brain shrinkage.”

He further elaborated, “Periodontal disease, a form of chronic inflammation in the mouth, may negatively impact the hippocampus through inflammation. Additionally, it’s been theorized that the microbes responsible for gum disease could potentially infiltrate the brain and harm nerve tissue.”

When it comes to tooth loss, Yamaguchi suggested that the loss of teeth could decrease the stimulation from chewing, which has been previously linked to brain shrinkage.

However, Yamaguchi emphasized that the study doesn’t establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between gum disease and brain shrinkage. He stated, “Our study only indicated an association between the number of teeth, periodontal disease, and the rate of hippocampal atrophy.”

He also noted that the correlation between tooth loss and brain health could be influenced by other variables, such as age, which correlates with a decrease in the number of teeth and increased rate of hippocampal atrophy.

The study, published in the Neurology journal on Wednesday, was restricted to participants aged 55 and above and included a relatively small sample size of 172 individuals.

“We need to verify the broader applicability of our findings by conducting further research on a larger and more diverse population,” stated Yamaguchi. “Subsequent intervention studies will be required to confirm the causal relationship and shed light on the mechanism” behind these associations.

Despite these limitations, the study provides compelling evidence suggesting that preserving good dental hygiene could safeguard us against neurological diseases in later life. “It might be better to remove teeth affected by severe, hard-to-treat periodontal disease and replace them with suitable dentures, instead of retaining the affected teeth at any cost,” Yamaguchi advised.

He further warned that gum disease is a “silent disease” that can progress to severe stages without causing pain. “Moreover, there are no distinct guidelines for when to remove a tooth affected by periodontal disease. Therefore, regular visits to a reliable dentist are crucial,” he concluded.