The health of your teeth and gums may not seem as vital as that of, say, your heart or your brain. But the fact is, oral health is directly linked to great overall health. If your mouth’s not healthy, that has the potential to affect other parts of your body. In this blog post, we’ll talk about the potential link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
![elderly woman smiling despite alzheimer's and gum disease](https://reenchungdds.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/elderly-woman-smile.jpg)
Gingivitis & Alzheimer’s
When the bacteria associated with gum disease, or gingivitis, enters the bloodstream and makes its way to other parts of the body, it has potential to cause even bigger problems. Recent studies have shown that there may be a connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s, a devastating disease that causes permanent loss of memory and other brain function. Researchers found the bacteria related to gum disease in the brain tissue of a sampling of patients with Alzheimer’s. The scientists believe that this bacteria, when it reaches the brain, prompts an immune response, thereby killing brain cells, and putting the individual at risk of developing dementia.
Other Effects of Gum Disease
While the link between oral hygiene and dementia has yet to be conclusively proven, it’s just another reason to work to prevent gum disease. In addition to causing things like bad breath, pain, and irreversible damage to your teeth, gum disease has been linked to other serious conditions. Gingivitis bacteria has been associated with stroke and heart disease, and gum disease has been shown to worsen diabetes.
Let Us Help You Prevent Gum Disease
Here at Reen Chung, DDS, we have the tools and knowledge needed to help our patients avoid gingivitis and its potentially devastating effects. With a great oral care routine and two trips to the dentist a year, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy mouth. Contact us today to set up your next appointment.
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