New research suggests that gum disease could negatively affect brain function and potentially raise the risk of cognitive decline.
The study, recently published in the Journal of Periodontology, found that people with gum disease showed altered brain activity compared to those with healthy gums, providing a possible link between oral health and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
How Gum Disease Affects the Brain
Researchers at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University in China used MRI scans to compare brain function in 51 older adults with varying levels of gum disease. Among them, 11 had healthy gums, 14 had mild gum disease, and 26 had moderate-to-severe periodontitis.
The results showed that people with more severe gum disease had noticeable changes in how different brain regions connected and communicated. These disruptions could indicate early signs of brain dysfunction, even in individuals with normal cognition.
Scientists believe this link may be due to inflammation triggered by oral infections. Bacteria from diseased gums can enter the bloodstream and potentially invade brain tissues, triggering an immune response that may contribute to brain damage.
The Link Between Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s
Previous research has already suggested a connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Some studies have found that people with periodontitis have higher levels of amyloid beta deposits in their brains—a key marker of Alzheimer’s. This new study further supports the idea that poor oral health could contribute to cognitive decline.
Researchers suggest that gum disease could serve as an early warning sign for brain-related conditions. “These findings not only improve our understanding of periodontitis but also contribute to the development of potential imaging biomarkers and new approaches for the early prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease,” the study authors wrote.
The Importance of Oral Health for Brain Health
This study highlights the need for maintaining good oral hygiene as part of overall brain health. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups could potentially help reduce the risk of cognitive decline by preventing gum disease and the inflammation it may cause in the brain.
While more research is needed to confirm the long-term effects of gum disease on brain health, these findings suggest that taking care of your teeth and gums might be more important than previously thought—not just for oral health, but for protecting cognitive function as well.
The research findings can be found in the Journal of Periodontology.
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