If you have a dental practice to call home, they should take gum health very seriously. After all, healthy gums equal a healthy smile because they are the foundation that hold your teeth in place.
Gum disease is avoidable but can lead to bigger problems if you don’t treat it early enough. In this week’s blog post, your dentist in Sachse wants to remind patients to take care of their teeth and gums to avoid dental concerns like gum disease—especially because gum disease can affect the whole body. Unfortunately, older patients with dementia-related conditions are more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease due to a decline in personal hygiene and possible side effects from medication. Continue reading to learn more!
The Relationship Between Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease
As mentioned above, there’s a correlation between the rest of the body and the mouth. In fact, you can have signs of Alzheimer’s disease because of your gum disease. Here’s how these two conditions are connected.
Studies Show a Correlation
According to a recent study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, there is a chance people with poor oral hygiene or high-risk gum disease patients could possibly be at a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. If you or if you suspect someone in your family may be experiencing the signs of gum disease (like red, swollen, bleeding gums and loose teeth), should visit their local dentist as soon as possible. This can help halt both conditions progression.
Ongoing Research Supports this Correlation
There are many scientists and doctors that are currently conducting research and studies to definitively verify a link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Some of the most recent research shows gum disease bacteria was found in brain tissue samples taken from Alzheimer’s patients. In fact, the surprising fact was that the same bacteria were not present in non-Alzheimer’s patients. Although this is a groundbreaking discovery, there still needs to be more evidence found to make a concrete claim.
The Facts are Found in the Bacteria
Bad bacteria are the catalyst for developing gum disease. Why? Bad dental bacteria can enter our bloodstream from the gum recession that’s caused by gum disease. This could be a possible cause or link to Alzheimer’s disease or even other health conditions like strokes, heart disease, or diabetes.
The truth remains this: there are both good and bad bacteria in our mouths. The goal is to always keep the amounts of bad bacteria in your mouth to keep your gums strong, firm, and pink!
To help keep you and your teeth in excellent health, it’s important to visit my dental office in Sachse for your regular dental checkups and professional deep cleanings. We are always available to help address any concerns you may have, making sure you have the necessary knowledge and tools to fight gum disease.
About Our Office
Here at Sachse Family Dentistry, we are happy to help you reach and maintain oral health. Once your gums are in good condition, we will keep them strong and stable for years to come with professional deep cleanings. Learn more about how we can help you by contacting us today!