If someone told you your memory loss might be linked to your mouth, would you believe them?
As a dentist, researcher, and mom, I’ve seen the dots that most people don’t know exist. We think of Alzheimer’s as a brain disease, which it is but what if the triggers are hiding between your teeth?
Let’s connect some dots.
Inflammation: The Silent Killer
Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) affects nearly half of adults over the age of 30. It starts as bleeding gums or bad breath… but it doesn’t stay there. Gum
infections are a major source of chronic inflammation, and that inflammation doesn’t stay in the mouth. It travels.
It travels through your bloodstream. It crosses the blood-brain barrier. It affects your brain.
Multiple studies, including research from the UK and University of Florida, link periodontal pathogens to Alzheimer’s plaques and neural degeneration.
The Culprit? A Common Mouth Bacteria
Meet Porphyromonas gingivalis — a bacterium found in gum disease. In autopsies of patients with Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, Lipopolysaccharide, a component of this bacteria has been found in brain tissue in four out of ten patients. The finding of this chronic oral and virulent bacteria therefore suggests “an inflammatory role” in the pathology of existing Alzheimer’s disease.
Let that sink in: bacteria from your gums may be inflaming your brain. How to Protect Your Brain… and Your Smile
Here’s the good news: gum disease is preventable and treatable. And that gives you powerful tools to protect your brain health.
I tell all my patients:
- Irrigate, Floss and Brush like your brain depends on it… because it does!
- Don’t ignore bleeding gums… that’s already a disease process!
- Schedule regular dental cleanings: suited to your needs and not dictated by your insurance company’s scheduled program… (IF you have any …)
- Use oral probiotics to balance mouth microbiome
- Eat for your gums: cut sugar, increase greens and antioxidants
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
Unfortunately, one of the chemical causes of Alzheimer’s is on the rise. Families are struggling. But what if a key part of the solution is right under our noses, literally?
We need to shift the conversation from “How do we treat Alzheimer’s?” to “How do we prevent it?” And that starts with understanding the connection between oral health and total body wellness.
As I always say: It’s all connected!
The mouth is not separate from the mind. It’s the gateway. It’s the early warning system. And in many ways, it’s the first place we should be looking. Remember too, the mouth is the beginning of the gut. The gut is the second Brain… There’s so much more to this story than you can ever imagine.
Look for part two to follow on more chemical connections with oral pathogens to all body diseases including low baby birth-weight, diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis and cancers, to name a few…. Coming next!
