If you think that your oral health is not related to your overall wellness think again. Recent research is finding that avoiding gum disease by brushing your teeth can also help you avoid Alzheimer’s.
We know what you’re thinking. How is this possible – those are two totally unrelated conditions? Thanks to new data, we can now confidently tell you that the two are more related than you’d think. And we have the DNA-based proof to show it!
In this blog, we are going to explain how brushing your teeth can help delay Alzheimer’s disease and why you should care.
Does Gingivitis Cause Alzheimer’s?
Let’s take a look at the research done by the University of Bergen to answer this.
According to their findings, the bacteria that causes Gingivitis is able to move from the mouth to the brain. There is then a protein produced by these bacteria that are able to destroy nerve cells.
In the simplest terms, Alzheimer’s is caused by the death of nerve cells in the brain. So, having that bacteria up there dramatically accelerates the progression of the disease. Obviously, these bacteria are not the only cause of this degenerative disease, but they can increase the risk of developing it.
The easiest way to avoid Gingivitis? Brushing your teeth.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a mild version of Gum Disease or Periodontal Disease caused by poor oral health – AKA, not brushing your teeth. The word itself literally means inflammation of the gums and that inflammation is caused by the bacteria in the plaque on your teeth. This is the same bacteria that can travel into your brain and accelerate Alzheimer’s. If untreated, Gingivitis can progress into advanced versions of Gum Disease.
Preventing Gum Disease in 5 Easy Steps
Thankfully, preventing gingivitis and gum disease isn’t hard. Which means that there is at least one thing you can do easily to help prevent Alzheimer’s! All you have to do is follow these 5 steps:
- Floss every day
- Brush your teeth with an ADA approved, fluoride-containing toothpaste twice a day
- Get regular dental cleanings
- Use a mouthwash after eating
- Stop smoking (This one is not easy, but it’s worth it!)
Brush Your Teeth for Improved Memory and Health
As we’re sure you’re now well aware, there are more reasons to brush your teeth than achieving fresh breath. The state of your oral health has a strong impact on your whole health, especially in your brain. Brushing your teeth can help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s by keeping Gingivitis and the harmful bacteria that comes with it at bay.
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