- Home
- MedBound Hub
- InternshipInternship
- BiographyBiography
- InterviewInterview
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Biotechnology
- College/InstituteCollege/Institute
- Dentistry
- Blog
- Wellness & Nutrition
- Nursing
- Opinion
- Videos
Alzheimer's disease is a fatal neurological ailment that affects actions, remembrance, and cognitive ability. Initial signs could include trouble recalling recent conversations or events, which could get worse with time. As the illness worsens, people may have difficulty with everyday tasks, making decisions, and even identifying their loved ones. Confusion, bad judgment, language problems, and a major shift in their behavior and temperament, such as mood swings and irritability, are further possible outcomes.
Alzheimer's disease results from progressive neurological changes, often linked to aging or certain medical conditions. These changes significantly impact both patients and caregivers by reducing the patient's ability to function independently.
A recent study that was published in the Archives of Dental Research claims that there is a connection between brain and oral health. Systemic inflammation may be the outcome of chronic gum disease brought on by poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing properly or flossing.
It is believed that systemic inflammation allows harmful germs to enter the brain, which accelerates the development of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Bacteria from the mouth may enter the bloodstream and potentially cross the blood-brain barrier, contributing to brain inflammation and the accumulation of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Maintenance of good dental hygiene practices may reduce the incidence of Alzheimer's.
Over time, neglecting proper oral hygiene will lead to a buildup of plaque, which will eventually lead to various gum diseases or even periodontal inflammation. This type of inflammation is chronic and is not restricted to just the oral cavity, but it allows harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream, eventually traveling to the brain and causing debilitating effects. Once it reaches the brain, it triggers the inflammatory response that accelerates the buildup of plaque, a unique characteristic of Alzheimer’s.
Studies suggest that individuals who maintain good oral health are at reduced risk of Alzheimer’s as much as 70%. Researchers believe that minimizing chronic inflammation through proper brushing and flossing can lead to either delay or even help prevent the onset of Alzheimer's.
While brushing is the most simple dental hygiene habit, people often neglect the fact that brushing twice a day, followed by flossing, is time-consuming and thus resort to brushing once — and some people forget that as well. Now what seems like a small task, neglecting that can cause a serious impact on the brain. The researchers find a good correlation between the two, by which we may be able to help delay or prevent the onset of diseases like Alzheimer’s.
This new research emphasizes how crucial it is to consider oral health as an essential part of total wellbeing, including brain health, rather than merely as a cosmetic or dental concern. Therefore, the next time you consider missing your oral health regimen, keep in mind that your toothbrush and floss might just be powerful tools in protecting both your smile and your mind.
Reference:
1. Mohammad Amin Seyedmoalemi. (2025, January 17). Association between periodontitis and alzheimer’s disease: A narrative review. IBRO Neuroscience Reports. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266724212400112X
Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr . Sneha S S/MSM)
