Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. While you see a dentist instead of a medical doctor to address your oral health, it still goes hand in hand with your overall health. Having oral health issues can lead to various different issues with your general health as well. It can even impact your brain function. Continue reading to learn about the connection between the two.
How Are Oral Health and Brain Health Connected?
The earliest stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. This is incredibly common with seven out of ten Canadians developing gum disease at some point in their life. However, the effects are usually reversible when treated early on. When left untreated, this can progress to periodontitis, where subgingival pocks develop between the teeth and gums. This fills with debris and bacteria and can be nearly impossible to get rid of completely.
There is a certain type of bacteria found in periodontitis which is also present in the brains of those who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. This is called Porphyromonas gingivalis. A U.S. pharmaceutical company, Cortexyme, did a test on mice to show how these bacteria spread to the brain and result in characteristic features of Alzheimer’s disease.
How Do You Race Gum Disease?
Even though gum disease is common, it is also easy to prevent. Here are some of the ways that you can keep your gums healthy:
- Brush Twice Daily: Brushing after meals to remove food debris and plaque from your teeth. Don’t forget to give your tongue a brush as well.
- Floss Daily: Your toothbrush doesn’t reach all of the crevices in your mouth. This is why it’s important to take the time to floss. This way, you can remove food debris from beneath the gumline and between the teeth.
- Use Mouthwash: Using a mouth rinse helps to wash away remaining food particles that you missed when brushing and flossing.
- See Your Dentist: Seeing your dentist on a regular basis is necessary for excellent oral health. During your professional cleaning, your dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildups, and your dentist will be able to detect early signs of gum disease so it can be treated before becoming serious.
- Know Your Risk: Many different factors can contribute to periodontal disease, like your age, smoking habits, diet, and genetics. If you are at higher risk, this is something you should bring up with your dentist.
Gum disease can result in various issues, so it’s important to maintain excellent oral hygiene. By staying on top of your dental health and seeing your dentist, you can keep your gums and your brain healthy!
About the Practice
At Meadowvale Family Dentistry, Dr. Mayank Patel and Dr. Ka Biu Ip work together to treat patients in the Mississauga community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. If you are concerned about your gum health, they would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (905) 821-0011.