Did you know that having gum disease for over five years can increase your risk of Alzheimer's by 70%? Over 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s and there is no known cure. This Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, we hope to shed some light on the realities of Alzheimer’s disease and how oral health can have a big impact on your future brain health. Let’s dive into some of the basics of Alzheimer’s disease and why consistent oral care is an important prevention method.
What is Alzheimer’s & What Causes it?
Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia—a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. When you hear someone say that their grandmother has dementia, that doesn’t necessarily mean she has Alzheimer’s. Dementia is a general umbrella term for someone with memory loss and cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia. The reason why Alzheimer's is so well known is because Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases.
Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. Some people assume that Alzheimer’s is just part of getting older and that is absolutely not the case. Even though 1 in 3 seniors die with dementia or Alzheimer’s, the development of the disease means that something has gone wrong inside the brain.
In Alzheimer’s disease, two abnormal structures—amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles—disrupt normal brain function. Ultimately, these plaques and tangles lead to nerve cell death and tissue loss throughout the brain. Over time, the brain shrinks dramatically, affecting nearly all its functions and causing noticeable cognitive decline. If you want to learn more about what happens in the brain to cause Alzheimer’s, click here. Now that we understand a bit about what the disease is, let’s explore how your oral health can increase or decrease your risk of Alzheimer’s.
Bacteria in the Brain?
One specific type of bacteria associated with gum disease, Porphyromonas gingivalis (or P. gingivalis), has been a focus of Alzheimer’s research in recent years. This bacteria, commonly found in people with chronic gum disease, has been detected in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s. Generally speaking, if your gums are cleaned regularly and properly stimulated, the capillaries in your gum tissue remain small, making it much more difficult for bacteria to enter your bloodstream. However, when gum tissue is inflamed, as with gum disease, the capillaries expand, making you more vulnerable to bacteria entering your bloodstream.
Scientists have discovered that this specific kind of bacteria, P. gingivalis, can travel from the mouth to the brain through the bloodstream or along nerve pathways. Once in the brain, it may contribute to the formation of amyloid plaques (mentioned above)—one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.
Studies have also shown that once in the brain, P. gingivalis releases enzymes called gingipains that can destroy nerve cells, which in turn can lead to memory loss and eventually Alzheimer's. These findings suggest that chronic gum infections may play a role in the development or progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Flossing: A Simple Step with Big Benefits
So, how does flossing fit into this picture? Flossing is one of the most effective ways to remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth and below the gum line, where toothbrushes often can’t reach. When you floss regularly, you help prevent gum disease and, by extension, reduce systemic inflammation. Removing plaque and bacteria regularly means fewer inflammatory triggers in your mouth, which lowers the chances of harmful bacteria traveling through your body.
Regular flossing may be a small part of your day, but its cumulative effects are significant for your overall health. Think of it as a simple step you can take to maintain not only a healthy smile but also a healthier brain. If you’ve tried to build a flossing habit in the past but can’t seem to stick with it, buying a fun new flossing tool like the Slate Electric Flosser might be exactly what you need!
Alzheimer’s Prevention Through Oral Health Habits
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s, incorporating good oral hygiene practices into your daily routine can help lower your risk! Here are our top five recommendations for great oral and overall health.
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Floss Daily: Take a few minutes each day to floss properly. Reach between every tooth and avoid snapping the floss against the gums. Gentle, consistent flossing helps remove bacteria that can cause inflammation. If you’re looking for a better way to floss, click here to purchase a Slate Electric Flosser.
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Brush Twice a Day: Use toothpaste with fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite and a soft-bristled toothbrush (preferably electric) to clean your teeth for two minutes in the morning and at night. Be sure to brush along the gumline to remove as much plaque as possible.
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Consider an Antibacterial Mouthwash: Certain mouthwashes can help reduce bacteria in the mouth, which may help lower the risk of gum disease. Be careful not to use any alcoholic mouthwashes. Mouthwash containing alcohol can kill good bacteria in the mouth and produce negative results. Click here for our favorite mouthwash!
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Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Professional cleanings and check-ups can catch signs of gum disease early and give your gums a deeper clean than at-home brushing and flossing alone.
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Adopt a Healthy Diet: Nutrition plays a big role in oral health and brain health. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants, fiber, and low in sugar can help support healthy gums and brain function.