Could Gum Disease Be Linked to Alzheimer’s?
New research suggests that Porphyromonas gingivalis, the key bacteria in chronic gum disease, could be the cause of Alzheimer’s disease. If you have red, swollen, receding gums and bad breath, you may want to schedule an appointment with your dentist for a checkup.
This NewScientist article reports that in studies conducted on mice genetically engineered to have Alzheimer’s, gum infections were found to have worsened the symptoms. In studies conducted on healthy mice, this bacteria was found to cause Alzheimer’s-like brain. inflammation, neural damage, and amyloid plaque.
If this new hypothesis of Alzheimer’s is confirmed to be accurate, it could lead to an effective cure or treatment for the condition. However, there is plenty of things you can do to reduce your risk in the meantime.
Preventing Gum Disease
Prevention begins at home – brushing and flossing at least twice daily, eating a healthy diet low in sugar and avoiding smoking all help prevent gum disease. Alongside this, regular comprehensive dental checkups are paramount for your oral health – dentists can remove plaque, stains, and tartar from the surface of your teeth in order to prevent cavities, bad breath, gingivitis, and disease. Your dentist can also detect early signs of gum disease, so if you haven’t had a checkup in a while, now may a good time to schedule your appointment!
