How Are Alzheimer’s and Dental Health Linked?

alzheimer's Williamsville, NY

Wondering if there is a link between Alzheimer’s disease and the overall health of one’s mouth? There could be a connection, as it is possible for bad bacteria in one’s mouth to travel to the brain. According to the Mayo Clinic, Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disorder that causes brain cells to waste away and die.

The connection between Alzheimer’s and dental health

Learning that bad dental health can lead to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is important. There is currently a great deal of research going on to learn what causes Alzheimer’s, and one of the theories is that the bad bacteria that can cause gum disease may also cause Alzheimer’s disease. This still needs to be scientifically proven, of course, but until then, it would be beneficial for everyone to practice good dental hygiene.

Good dental health practices

The list below includes information on how one can properly take care of their dental health. Good dental health not only supports a healthy mouth, but it may also help prevent someone from being diagnosed with a disease, like Alzheimer’s.

Brush teeth at least twice a day

While brushing one’s teeth needs to be performed at least twice a day, many people do not know how to properly brush their teeth. Proper brushing requires one to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoridated toothpaste. The toothbrush should be held at a 45-degree angle while you gently scrub the teeth for two minutes. Brushing the tongue is also important to remove any built-up bacteria.

Floss at least once a day

Flossing should be done at least once a day, as this helps ensure that any food particles stuck in between one’s teeth are removed. Leftover food particles support the growth of plaque, which is to be avoided because plaque is the beginning of gum disease. In order to floss one’s teeth properly, the floss needs to gently slide in between the teeth, then carefully rub the sides of every tooth in an up-and-down motion. The entire process takes about 1 minute to perform, a small amount of time to spend on this important dental care action.

About biologic dentistry services

Those who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s may also be living with less than optimal dental health. Since it is possible that there could be a connection between one’s bad dental health and a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, it is essential for everyone to take good care of their dental health, as well as make regular dental appointments for preventive reasons. Those who need answers to specific questions can ask the professionals in order to get the right answers.

Request an appointment here: https://doctormccarthy.com or call Shannon H. McCarthy DDS at (716) 689-8882 for an appointment in our Williamsville office.