Recent dental research findings claim that there is a link between poor dental and oral hygiene and Alzheimer’s disease. However, not everyone agrees – so what is myth and what is fact? Read on to find out…

Myths and facts

Dental researchers found and documented evidence that there is a link between periodontal (gum) disease and Alzheimer’s. They claimed to have found evidence that periodontal bacteria in the mouth was able to gain access through the bloodstream to the brains of those suffering from Alzheimer’s. They argued that when brain tissue absorbed gum bacteria it could potentially provoke an immune reaction from the brain that could lead to the degradation of brain cell function as observed in people with Alzheimer’s. Not everyone in the scientific community agreed with all the findings reported and suggested that more research was needed.

New evidence

New evidence recently published affirmed the following:

    • That people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia have a higher incidence of poor oral health and hygiene, thereby increasing their risk of periodontal (gum) disease.
    • That poor oral health in Alzheimer’s patients further causes impaired quality of life, poor masticatory function (chewing and digesting food) resulting in poor nutrition, and an increased risk of systemic diseases such as aspiration pneumonia.
    • That it is possible for periodontal (gum) disease bacteria to enter the bloodstream during chewing, brushing of the teeth and other dental procedures. Once in the blood it can cause inflammation and inflammatory responses in the brain and other parts of the body.
    • That periodontal disease has, apart from Alzheimer’s, been linked to other diseases such as diabetes and renal disease.
    • That evidence was found (in a small sample of people) that gum disease bacteria had penetrated the brain tissue of some people with Alzheimer’s.
    • That a recent study by New York University College of Dentistry researchers showed that people with Alzheimer’s had significantly higher levels of the antibodies and inflammatory molecules associated with gum disease in their plasma than other healthy people.
    • That the latest, yet to be validated, research findings from a study at Stanford University School of Medicine points to the possibility of the accumulation of a specific protein C1.q in the aging brain as the main culprit and cause of numerous, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s/dementia.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned does not imply that by brushing your teeth regularly you may reduce the risk of getting Alzheimer’s or that gum disease is a direct cause of Alzheimer’s. At most, it points to a possible increased risk factor.

However, it does point out that your mouth, which incidentally is filled with both good and bad bacteria, is the gateway to the rest of your body. Bad oral health and hygiene is an open invitation for gum disease bacteria to enter your body and cause all sorts of inflammatory reactions of your immune system.

Although there seems to be a link, the role gum disease bacteria and inflammation may play in increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s is not yet fully understood. However, experience has shown that it is always better to be safe than sorry; so do keep your mouth teeth and gums as clean and healthy as possible.

 

Sources
Grush, L. 2013. A potential cure for Alzheimer’s? Scientists discover new culprit behind brain-wasting disease. Retrieved from: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/08/14/potential-cure-for-alzheimers-scientists-identify-new culprit-behind/
Little proof gum disease causes Alzheimer’s. 2013. Retrieved from: http://www.nhs.uk/news/2013/07July/Pages/Little-proof-gum-disease-causes-Alzheimers.aspx
New evidence from NYU College of Dentistry supports link between gum inflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. 2010. Retrieved from: http://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2010/08/03/new-evidence-supports-link-between-gum-inflammation-and-alzheimers.html
Study suggests association between poor dental health and Alzheimer’s. 2013. Retrieved from: http://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/new-detail/10826/study-suggests-association-between-poordental-health-and-Alzheimers
Syrja, A. et.al. 2010. Dementia and oral health among subjects aged 75 years or older. Retrieved from: http://o-content. ebscohost.com.innopac.up.ac.za