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Fit & Well
Fit & Well
Health
Maddy Biddulph

The mouth-brain link: how healthy gums could help protect against Alzheimer’s disease

Man brushing his teeth and looking at his reflection in a bathroom mirror.

We all know we should clean our teeth daily, but good oral hygiene can do more for you than give you a healthy smile. According to experts, it could improve your brain health and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Poor dental care can lead to gum disease (gingivitis) when bacteria builds up around the teeth and gums, which can result in more severe and irreversible gum disease, known as periodontitis. These bacteria don’t always stay put—they can enter the bloodstream and trigger chronic inflammation, which is linked to brain aging and conditions like Alzheimer’s.

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