Good Oral Hygiene Postpones Alzheimer's
Alzheimer’s is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Researchers from University of Bergen have discovered that the onset of Alzheimer’s is tied with poor oral hygiene.
Piotr Mydel who is a researcher at the Broegelmanns Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen (UiB) said that they have discovered DNA based proof that gum disease is related to the early onset of Alzheimer’s.
They found that bacteria in the gum disease can make its way from mouth to the brain. These bacteria produce a protein that destroys nerve cells leading to Alzheimer's.
This finding supports the widely held belief by the dentists that good oral hygiene is critical for good overall health. Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth is the first step in this direction. You should also make a habit of getting teeth cleaned professionally by a dentist twice a year.
Good oral hygiene can prevent gum disease. Patients who already have a gum disease may not be able to control the disease by brushing and flossing alone. Such patients should seek professional help from a deep cleaning dentist.
Gum Disease Symptoms
Gum disease is considered a “silent” disease because pain does not always accompany warning signs.
See your Pittsburgh Dentist if you experience:
- Gums that bleed while brushing teeth, using dental floss or biting into hard foods (like an apple)
- Recurring redness, puffiness, tenderness or swelling of your gums
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Persistent bad breath
At Kaur Dental of Fox Chapel, we recommend our patients schedule an oral hygiene visit every 6 months. Most dental insurance companies typically cover 100% of your oral hygiene visit. Oral hygiene dentist visits reduce chances of future dental problems significantly.
