New research published in the journal Neurology suggests that brushing your teeth can boost the brain, helping to reduce the risk of dementia.
People with good dental hygiene had more neurons in the hippocampus, which plays a role in memory. Gum disease and tooth loss were linked to less gray matter and declining mental health. Regular visits to the dentist may help prevent Alzheimer's, according to scientists.
Lead author Dr. Satoshi Yamaguchi of Tohoku University in Japan highlighted the importance of evaluating the potential link between tooth loss, gum disease, and dementia.
The study found that these conditions may affect the brain area responsible for thinking and memory, providing another reason to take better care of one's teeth. Chewing also boosts blood and oxygen flow to the head, keeping the brain healthy.
Participants in the study were 172 Japanese individuals with an average age of 67 and no memory problems at the start. The study revealed that individuals with mild gum disease and fewer teeth experienced a faster rate of brain shrinkage in the left hippocampus, crucial for word and language recall.
The same phenomenon was observed in those with severe gum disease and more teeth. Gum disease is caused by inflammation of tooth-supporting tissues. It affects about one in seven adults.
Lead author Dr. Yamaguchi said: "Our study found these conditions may play a role in the health of the brain area that controls thinking and memory — giving people another reason to take better care of their teeth.
"Controlling the progression of gum disease through regular dental visits is crucial, and teeth with severe gum disease may need to be extracted and replaced with appropriate prosthetic devices."
Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine, explained the connection between gum disease and dementia, stating that inflammation caused by bacteria can lead to neurodegeneration.
Brushing teeth and caring for gums reduces bacteria and inflammation, thus potentially reducing the risk of dementia.
Dr. Siegel also told FoxNews: "It is also connected with staying active and caring for yourself, which decreases depression, and is also associated with dementia. Keeping the brain active and working slows neurodegeneration and dementia."
While the study shows an association between gum disease, tooth loss, and Alzheimer's disease, it does not establish causation. Previous studies have also linked gum disease to diabetes and cardiovascular illnesses.
According to the World Health Organization, over 55 million people worldwide have dementia, with Alzheimer's disease contributing to 60-70 per cent of cases. Dementia is currently the seventh leading cause of death and a major cause of disability and dependency among older individuals globally.
