It’s heartbreaking if your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, and it makes you want to do everything you can to prevent getting the disease yourself. One way you can lessen your chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease is to focus on taking care of your oral health.
Studies have shown that gum disease is associated with brain inflammation that increases the risk for cognitive dysfunctions linked to Alzheimer’s disease. In 2005, researchers noticed an increased presence of antibodies and inflammatory chemicals linked to gum disease in Alzheimer’s patients compared to those of healthy individuals. When gum disease bacteria multiply, they enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain, where they cause infections.
According to an article published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, any kind of inflammation in the early to middle stages of life increases your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease later on. Such as, if you lose teeth when you are younger than 35, you might also increase your risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease.
Gum disease can occur when you have plaque build-up on your teeth. If it isn’t treated at a professional teeth cleaning, your gums can start to pull away from your teeth and form pockets that become infected with bacteria. Gum disease can cause your teeth to eventually fall out, if you don’t visit your dentist before it’s too late.
To prevent gum disease, and serious health issues like Alzheimer’s disease, it’s best to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily and visit your dentist for a bi-annual professional teeth cleaning. If you are in need of a teeth cleaning, contact the Lakeway Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry and set-up your appointment today.