{"id":8,"date":"2019-04-07T14:51:00","date_gmt":"2019-04-07T14:51:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drkarenho.com\/blog\/?p=8"},"modified":"2022-11-09T23:18:29","modified_gmt":"2022-11-09T23:18:29","slug":"protect-brain-function-dentist-campbell","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drkarenho.com\/blog\/protect-brain-function-dentist-campbell\/","title":{"rendered":"Protect Your Brain Function with Your Dentist in Campbell"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As the most common cause and type of dementia, Alzheimer\u2019s 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\u2019s and gum disease. In this post, learn more about how these two are connected and what your dentist in Campbell<\/a> can do to help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s common, don\u2019t think for a second that it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Role Inflammation Plays<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s, 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prevention<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s. So how do you prevent gum disease? By doing the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n