Each year, we are learning more about the significant impact gum disease takes on overall health. We already know diabetes is a risk factor for this chronic inflammatory oral — but relatively new research also says having gum disease may be associated with cognitive disorders such as Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, people with gum disease are more likely to develop the former as those who do not. Keep reading to learn more about how gum disease can affect your memory… and what you can do to prevent these scary side effects.
The Link Between Gum Disease, Memory Loss
Periodontitis is severe gum disease that causes the gradual deterioration of bone and gum tissue, eventually leading to tooth loss. It is caused by bacterial buildup around the teeth and deep within the gums. Periodontitis causes chronic inflammation.
According to research published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, doctors at the University of Central Lancashire studied the brain tissue of 20 donors — 10 of whom had periodontitis (gum disease) and 10 of whom did not.
The researchers noted the bacteria commonly found in the gums of people with periodontitis was also found in the brain tissue of the specimens who had gum disease. Their thinking is that because the gums provide easy entry into the bloodstream, this bacteria traveled to the brain and killed off important cells and led to Alzheimer’s, dementia, and memory loss.
All previous and current research tend to focus on inflammation. Inflammation secondary to viral or bacterial infection may release toxins that attach to the brain cells. This inevitably causes deposits to build up in the frontal cortex of the brain considered hallmark in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease. A recent 2017 study in the Journal of Periodontology studied whether periodontitis is related to the amyloid (Aß) load in blood and the role of the relationship in their associations. Blood samples were taken from 288 subjects and higher Aß levels were observed in subjects with severe periodontitis. This study concluded that periodontitis may modify the association between amyloid load found in blood and cognitive impairment.
- Gil-Montoya JA, Barrios R, Santana S, Sanzhez-Lara I, Carnero P, Fornieles-Rubio F, Montes J, Ramirez C, Gonzalez-Moles MA, Burgos JS. Association Between Periodontitis and Amyloid ß Peptide in Elderly People With and Without Cognitive Impairment. Journal of Periodontology 2017;88:1051-1058.
Your Periodontal Health
What does the news of this research mean for you and your smile? It provides further evidence that maintaining excellent oral hygiene and managing gum disease is vitally important as you age — even more so than you probably already knew. It is imperative that you brush your teeth twice a day (after each meal is even better), floss daily, and stop harmful habits like smoking or tobacco use. Once bone disease has occurred, it can no longer be cured. Fortunately, your periodontist can help you manage your gum disease to prevent tooth loss and problems with your memory.
Managing Gum Disease
One of the most effective treatments for moderate levels of gum disease is scaling and root planing (SRP), also known as a deep cleaning. With this method, your periodontist will use special tools to clean above and below the gum line, carefully removing bacteria to eradicate infection and inflammation.
Other methods we may employ for managing gum disease include:
- Pocket depth reduction surgery to eliminate bacteria
- Gum and bone grafting to replace lost tissues caused by inflammation and bacteria
Maintaining excellent periodontal health is crucial as you get older. If you have gum disease, do not hesitate to get started with gum disease therapy in Frisco. Your smile will thank you for it!
About the Periodontist
Dr. Zachary A. Carnow is a board-certified periodontist providing superior care for patients in and around Frisco, TX. To learn more about gum disease or its treatment, you are invited to contact the office at 214-619-4990.