When you brush and floss, you’re probably focused on how good it makes your mouth feel. But did you know your daily oral care habits may also affect your brain? A recent study from the American Academy of Neurology suggests that the connection between oral and brain health is stronger than you might think! Continue reading to explore the line between these systems and how you can keep both in top condition.
What the Study Found
Researchers in Japan followed a group of volunteers who had no memory problems at the start of the study. Each participant had dental exams, memory tests, and brain scans to calibrate the study for several factors. After processing, the researchers measured the volume of each volunteer’s hippocampus, the part of the brain tied to memory and Alzheimer’s disease.
Over four years, they found that gum disease and tooth loss were both linked to shrinkage in the left hippocampus. For people with mild gum disease, losing a single tooth was equal to nearly one year of brain aging. For those with severe gum disease, keeping more teeth with severe disease sped up shrinkage by about 1.3 years per tooth!
As alarming as this sounds, the researchers stressed that their study shows an association, not proof of cause and effect. However, the findings are still a cautionary tale about how important gum health may be for your long-term memory.
Why Gum Health Matters
The study above is just one piece of an expanding theory that suggests your mouth is like a gateway to the rest of your body. Inflammation caused by gum disease doesn’t always stay put. In fact, it can enter your bloodstream, potentially affecting your heart, lungs, and brain.
This is why keeping your gums healthy is so important, not just for your teeth and gums, but also for your body and mind.
How to Protect Your Mouth and Your Mind
As scary as these findings seem, there’s good news. The same daily habits that keep your teeth healthy may also keep issues like Alzheimer’s at bay. Here’s a checklist:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss once a day to remove plaque and food particles.
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and gum checks.
- Treat gum disease early, even if it means removing severely damaged teeth.
- Eat a balanced diet with nutrients that support gum health.
While more studies are needed to turn hypothesis into fact, taking care of your mouth is a real no-brainer. With regular dental visits and healthy habits at home, you can keep your smile bright and your mind as sharp as a tack.
About the Practice
Research shows that oral health affects many parts of your body, even your brain. That’s why our team at Salt Run Family Dentistry emphasizes preventive care, early treatment, and ongoing education to help protect your overall wellness along with your teeth and gums. We’re dedicated to following science and expanding our knowledge to better serve our patients. Call (904) 824-3540 to schedule a dental checkup and cleaning with us or visit our website to explore other services.