Is There a Link Between Dental Plaque and Dementia?
Posted on 3/1/2024 by Weo Admin
According to the National Institute of Aging, the bacteria found in dental plaque that causes gum disease can also cause Alzheimers disease and other dementias. The mouth is home to more than 700 species of bacteria. Some of these strains of bacteria are useful, while some are problematic, disease-causing bacteria. A specific strain of oral bacteria known as Porphyromonas gingivalis causes gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. Colonies of this bacterium build in and around gums and attack the gum tissue. This causes gum inflammation and irritation. Gingivitis is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
If not treated, gingivitis then progresses to periodontitis, which is characterized by gum recession. Other oral bacteria that are associated with gum disorders include Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Bacteroides forsythus. Since it is not possible to get rid of these bacteria, people need to learn how to regulate their activity. Regular brushing, flossing, and antiseptic gargles help keep bacteria in check. Notably, the tongue should be regularly scraped to remove bacteria.
How Do Oral Bacteria Cause Dementia?
The bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis can get into the bloodstream and travel from the mouth to the brain. Once in the brain, this bacterium releases special enzymes known as gingipains, which alter nerve function and cause memory problems. Though dementia is a gradual disorder, if large volumes of gingipains are released, this can accelerate memory deterioration. It is thus important to maintain oral hygiene to keep the populations of dangerous oral bacteria in check.
How to Prevent Dementia
Other than maintaining oral health, there are other ways of preventing dementia. Scientific evidence shows that lifestyle choices play a great role in the development of dementia. The risk of dementia is lowest in people with healthy lifestyles. Some dementia preventive measures include taking adequate physical exercise, reducing alcohol intake and smoking, remaining socially active, proper management of long-term health conditions including diabetes, blood pressure, and obesity, and healthy dieting lowers the risk of these long-term health conditions.
Closing Remarks
Dental plaque increases the risk of developing dementia and other memory problems. Contact your dentist if you are suffering from dental plaque and other related problems.
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According to the National Institute of Aging, the bacteria found in dental plaque that causes gum disease can also cause Alzheimers disease and other dementias. The mouth is home to more than 700 species of bacteria. Some of these strains of bacteria are useful, while some are problematic, disease-causing bacteria. A specific strain of oral bacteria known as Porphyromonas gingivalis causes gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. Colonies of this bacterium build in and around gums and attack the gum tissue. This causes gum inflammation and irritation. Gingivitis is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.