Protect Your Brain Function with Your Dentist in Campbell

As the most common cause and type of dementia, Alzheimer’s interferes with memory, thinking, and behavior to the point where it impacts daily functioning. This serious disease is progressive and currently has no cure, despite the millions of dollars that are spent on research every year. However, recent studies have shown a potentially strong link between Alzheimer’s and gum disease. In this post, learn more about how these two are connected and what your dentist in Campbell can do to help.

Gum Disease

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of Americans over the age of 30 have an advanced form of gum disease. But just because it’s common, don’t think for a second that it’s harmless. If bad bacteria in plaque is allowed to stay and accumulate on your teeth, they release toxins. As it starts, gum disease merely causes your gums to become swollen and red, bleeding easily during brushing. At this point, it is easy to treat and reverse the slight damage done, but as gum disease progresses, it can cause permanent ill effects. Eventually, the gums recede from the teeth, exposing the roots of your teeth and the supporting tissue and bone to the infection. As a result, your teeth can become loose and even require extraction.

The Role Inflammation Plays

When your body has to face harmful bacteria, it uses inflammation to call extra blood antibodies to the infected areas and fight the disease. In gum disease, minor inflammation can quickly  balloon to cause problems not just in your mouth but throughout your body. In the case of Alzheimer’s, the bacteria from gum disease can easily enter your blood stream and spread to the brain, causing inflammation and dysfunction. Recent studies have shown that people with Alzheimer’s had more gum disease-causing bacteria in their brains than those without it, and others have found that people who have fewer are more likely to have dementia.

Prevention

In it own right, gum disease is a condition that you want to prevent. After all, tooth loss is no joke. However, this recent research could indicate another important reason to take care of your oral health. By taking the necessary steps to prevent gum disease, you could decrease your risk of getting Alzheimer’s. So how do you prevent gum disease? By doing the following:

• Brushing your teeth twice daily.
• Flossing between your teeth once daily.
• Visiting your dentist in Campbell twice a year for dental checkups and cleanings.
• Reducing your intake of sugary and acidic foods and drinks.

You want to protect your health for the long term. One way to do just that is to take care of your mouth and prevent gum disease from wreaking havoc. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen your dentist for a checkup and cleaning appointment, take the opportunity now to get back on track. Your gums and your brain will thank you later.

About the Author

Dr. Karen Ho has over 20 years of dentistry experience and continues to hone her skills through training seminars, such as those through the prestigious Spear Continuing Education. In addition, she has been a participating member of the Spear Study Club for over nine years to discuss complex cases and new techniques on a monthly basis. Her first focus is to help her patients get and maintain a healthy smile that lasts for years to come. To schedule an appointment with her, you can call (408) 558-9444 or click here.