Alzheimer’s and its Link to Gum Disease

Science Advances recently published a paper linking Alzheimer’s (AD) to periodontal disease (also known as gingivitis).

More on Alzheimer’s (AD)

Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia — a general term for memory loss or mental deterioration that can sometimes occur to patients later in their lifespan (during middle or more advanced ages). Alzheimer’s accounts for over 60% of cases of dementia and is the most common cause of premature senility.

More on Gum Disease and its Link to AD

Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) spurs an increase in amyloid beta production, which is found in plaque that has been linked to Alzheimer’s — this was found in lab animals orally infected with Pg.

The bacteria is believed to travel from the mouth to the brain while coinciding with two proteins that have also been associated with AD, ubiquitin and tau.

Gum Disease and its Link to Other Age-Related Conditions

The fact that your oral health is inextricably linked to your overall health is nothing new. Gum disease also contributes to other health problems in addition to AD, conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and more. There is also a noted link between periodontal disease and overall mortality rates in advanced stages of life.

What You Can Do to Reduce Your Chance of Getting AD

Although there isn’t a study out there that says periodontal disease is the direct cause of Alzheimer’s, it’s worth mentioning that keeping a good oral health routine is your first line of defense against conditions that can really impede upon living a good quality of life down the road. Having healthy teeth and gums is an investment in your future, in more ways than one.

At Manhattan Dental Care Studio we believe in providing innovative oral health care, both general and preventive, that sets our patients up for a healthy, productive life.

By scheduling (and keeping) your biannual checkups and routine cleanings you’ll give yourself a much higher chance of advancing through the many stages of life with good health intact, which means you’ll save time, money, and hardship that comes along with living with a chronic condition.

Contact Manhattan Dental Care Studio today to schedule your consultation. We provide modern care for healthy gums and we have a long track record of keeping our patients healthy and well through our comprehensive dental treatments, services, and procedures.