Dr. Kshama Chandan, dentist and founder of House of Tooth Dental Clinic (India), said that oral health is directly related to overall health and maintaining healthy teeth and gums can help prevent complications related to age. Poor oral hygiene is associated with many systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and even cognitive decline.
Aging also weakens the body's ability to fight infections, making bacteria in the mouth more dangerous. Chronic periodontitis ( periodontitis), often caused by plaque buildup, is associated with increased inflammation in the body. This inflammation can contribute to serious conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and heart disease.
Therefore, forming good oral care habits, including choosing the right toothpaste, can support overall health and slow down the aging process.
Dr. Kshama Chandan shares some of the link between Alzheimer's disease and oral health:
Mouth bacteria and Alzheimer's disease
The bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis, a type of bacteria that causes inflammation of gums and periodontitis, can enter the body through the mouth and travel to the brain. Some studies have found that this bacteria can contribute to the formation of beta amyloid plaques one of the characteristics of Alzheimer's disease. The presence of bacteria in the brain can cause inflammation and damage brain tissue, leading to impaired brain function and exacerbating Alzheimer's disease.
gingivitis and the risk of Alzheimer's
periodontitis and gingivitis are inflammatory diseases in the mouth. They have been shown to increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease. Chronic inflammation in the body, including gingivitis, can promote a systemic inflammatory response, which can increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Poor oral hygiene and cognitive conditions
People with Alzheimer's disease often have difficulty maintaining oral hygiene due to memory loss and cognitive decline. This can lead to plaque buildup, cavities, gingivitis, and dental problems. These problems are not only painful but can also increase the risk of infection and inflammation, aggravating Alzheimer's disease symptoms.
When inflammation and bacteria in the mouth enter the body, they can trigger an inflammatory response in the brain, increasing the risk of amyloid plaque formation and negatively affecting nerve function.
