{"id":193,"date":"2020-10-26T16:53:00","date_gmt":"2020-10-26T16:53:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.friscoperio.com\/blog\/?p=193"},"modified":"2020-10-26T16:53:01","modified_gmt":"2020-10-26T16:53:01","slug":"alzheimers-and-gum-disease-whats-the-connection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.friscoperio.com\/blog\/2020\/10\/alzheimers-and-gum-disease-whats-the-connection\/","title":{"rendered":"Alzheimer\u2019s and Gum Disease: What\u2019s the Connection?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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When it comes to oral health, most people tend to think about their smile first and foremost. However, preventing gum disease is just as important, especially considering the connections it holds with other systemic conditions. For example, a recent study showed that those with Alzheimer\u2019s also tended to have another bacterium in the body that causes gum disease. This is an alarming development for periodontists and dentists alike and just another reason to consider the connections oral health holds with overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To learn the details and how to prevent gum disease in Frisco,<\/a> read this from a local periodontist today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How is Gum Disease Linked to Alzheimer\u2019s?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to a study published in Science Advances<\/em>, researchers examined the brain tissue of deceased individuals who had Alzheimer\u2019s, a very common condition that destroys memory and other essential mental functions. In this brain tissue, they found a pathogen known as Porphyromonas gingivalis<\/em>, which is largely responsible for gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, the published study found that toxic enzymes (known as gingipains) made by the bacterium were present in many of the brain samples of these very same deceased Alzheimer\u2019s patients. Essentially, brains with more gingipains had higher amounts of proteins tied to the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This research adds to a longer list of other studies that connect brain health and oral health together. This includes a study from the University of Central Lancashire, which was the first study to make the connection between Alzheimer\u2019s and P. gingivalis<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Caveat to Keep in Mind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With all that said, it\u2019s also worth mentioning that Alzheimer\u2019s is a complex disease that develops over 15 to 20 years. Many factors are involved in the development of the condition and more study will be needed to prove that gum disease is capable of directly increasing the risk for Alzheimer\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, the study published in Science Advances<\/em> was also relatively small, which means it will need to be replicated by other researchers before more conclusive results can be determined. However, even the slightest chance of a connection is enough to understand why gum health is so important in the long-term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s Always Best to Be Safe, Rather Than Sorry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best way to avoid gum disease (and therefore inflammation in the body) is by staying dedicated to routine oral care at home and completing routine dental checkups and cleanings. Routine care should include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n