Nearly 6 million people in the United States suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Although scientists don’t know the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease, we do know that it usually takes effect later in life. A new study suggests that some of the bacteria that cause gum disease (or periodontitis) can be associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
At any given moment, there are hundreds of species of bacteria living in your mouth.
Bacteria can move from your mouth and into your bloodstream, causing issues like heart disease and even, according to new research, Alzheimer’s.
There are some bacteria that move from the mouth to the brain and release an enzyme called gingipains (or P. gingivalis) which can kill nerve cells and create plaques of beta-amyloid protein which is linked to the development of Alzheimer’s. The amount of gingipains increases over time which can lead to a compounding of Alzheimer’s symptoms.
This research simply highlights the importance of maintaining your day-to-day dental care!
Some basic dental care includes:
- Flossing daily
- Brushing twice a day
- Giving attention to your gums when you brush
- Not brushing too hard
Most importantly, make sure to keep up with your dental hygienist appointments twice a year. If you have any questions, your hygienist will give you all the tips and tricks you need to take the best care of your teeth and gums.
Don’t have your next appointment planned? No problem! Just fill out our request form to book your next appointment here: https://flawlessdental.com/contact-us/request-an-appointment/