If you never thought you needed a reason to go to your semi-annual dental checkups, now you do. Recent research has provided a link between the bacteria that causes gum disease and Alzheimer’s. With over 64.7 million adults in the U.S. diagnosed with gum disease, taking care of your oral health is a very important step to taking care of your physical and mental health. Your dentist in Greensboro looks into this amazing development and how it pertains to maintaining good oral health.
What is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s affects about 65% of people with Dementia. There are some symptoms that appear earlier in the development like short-term memory loss and depression. These symptoms can affect people from all walks of life and ages, so it is still difficult to catch Alzheimer’s before it progresses.
To get a diagnosis, doctors conduct a medical exam, look at the patient’s history and also perform cognitive tests. Although they have many ways to establish a diagnosis, the only way to have a definite answer to whether or not someone has Alzheimer’s is after they die.
Many people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s after age 65, but clumps of protein suspected to cause the disease can begin to build up 15 or even 20 years before the patient starts seeing symptoms.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, otherwise known as periodontitis is an infection in the tissue that holds your teeth. It’s mostly caused by poor oral hygiene habits that allow for plaque and bacteria to collect under the gum line. The disease can cause inflamed and bleeding gums, chewing problems and tooth loss in its most advanced stages. While gum disease may sound scary, it can thankfully be avoided and even treated by your dentist.
When you brush, floss and visit your dentist for your semi-annual cleanings, it disrupts the plaque and bacteria buildup, preventing an infection from happening. Another important fact to keep in mind is that smoking can prevent successful treatment of periodontitis. While there is no cure for gum disease, it is important to schedule your regular dental checkups to control the infection so it doesn’t get worse.
How Could Gum Disease Cause Alzheimer’s?
Amazing new discoveries have found that the same bacteria that causes gum disease was found in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients. They were specifically located in the area of the brain that is responsible for memory. But how can this bacteria get from your mouth to your brain? When your infection spreads, P.gingivalis, the bacteria that causes gum disease forms in inflamed pockets in your gums and releases toxins into your body. From there, it can access your brain by getting into your bloodstream.
So what does this mean for Alzheimer’s and how can you take preventive measures? Scientists hope to develop treatments based on the hypothesis that P.gingivalis is the root cause of the disease. In the meantime, it’s important to remember that keeping up with your regular dental checkups and routine could potentially keep you from getting Alzheimer’s.
About the Author
Dr. David Fisher provides his patients with an unmatched quality of care and expertise. As a member of the American Dental Association and Academy of General Dentistry, he is constantly keeping up with the latest dental trends and advancements. He and his team will leave you with your best possible smile. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit his website or contact his practice at (336) 288-1242.