The Link Between Oral Health and Alzheimer’s Disease

McKinney, TX, January 12, 2024 — Custom Dental of McKinney is educating the community and promoting awareness of the correlation between oral health and Alzheimer’s disease. Recent studies have highlighted the link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s, inspiring the clinic to promote further the importance of maintaining dental hygiene and cleanings.

The Periodontal Disease-Alzheimer’s Correlation
Periodontal disease, a chronic inflammation of the gums and bone caused by infection and inflammation, is a prevalent concern. According to the CDC, 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease, with rates increasing to 70.1% among adults aged 65 and older. Periodontal disease is the most prevalent disease in the entire world.

Recent research, including studies in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Tuft’s University School of Dental Medicine, has found that the same harmful bacteria found in the mouth can also be found in the bloodstream and therefore can travel to the brain. These bacteria may lead to inflammation and the production of the destructive proteins associated with Alzheimer’s.

Custom Dental’s Commitment to Preventing Gum Disease
Dr. Bryce Gates, the owner of Custom Dental of Mckinney and Custom Dental of Bonham, emphasizes the need for regular dental hygiene visits to prevent periodontal disease before it even occurs.

“Oral health is not localized,” Dr. Gates says. “It can directly impact the rest of your body.”

Not only does Custom Dental offer traditional hygiene cleaning services, but laser dental cleanings as well. Laser dental cleanings are more effective in preventing periodontal disease and less invasive. In a traditional dental cleaning where gums are pulled back, a dental laser cleaning shines a light beam onto the gums killing all the bacteria that are hard to reach.

Regardless of which method is used for dental cleanings, the most crucial component is daily dental hygiene maintenance at home.

Prevention Through Daily Dental Care

To prevent periodontal disease, Custom Dental recommends the following preventive measures:

Thorough Oral Hygiene: Brush teeth for at least two minutes twice daily, paying close attention to the gum line.

Daily Flossing: Flossing twice daily helps remove bacteria and prevents the build-up of plaque responsible for gum disease.

Regular Dental Cleanings: Yearly or quarterly hygiene cleanings are fundamental to monitor and address the progression of periodontal disease.

Invest in Electric Toothbrushes: Studies show that the vibrations from electric toothbrushes are more effective in removing bacteria and plaque than regular toothbrushes.

Natural Mouthwash Use: Adding natural mouthwash into daily oral care routine has been shown to lower the incidence of gum disease.

Avoid Smoking and Tobacco: Smoking can accelerate the progression of periodontitis, negatively impacting oral health.

Monitor Sugar Intake: Reducing sugar consumption and staying hydrated can diminish bacteria formation.

Taking Control of Your Oral Health
Dr. Bryce Gates encourages individuals to take control of their oral health and their overall health. Considering the correlation between gum disease and Alzheimer’s, it’s important not to underestimate the importance of oral health. Recognizing early signs of gum disease, such as swollen or bleeding gums, pain with chewing, and consistent bad breath is important in preventing gum disease.