The Connection between Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease

If you have gum disease, tooth loss is just one of the consequences.

Dr. Jack Ringer, Accredited Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and Past President believes that a beautiful smile is the gateway to the rest of your body. If you have healthy teeth and gums, you are in a lower risk category when it comes to heart disease, stroke, and even dementia. Dr. Ringer explains that recent studies are indicating that there may be a connection between Alzheimer’s disease and periodontitis.

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy by brushing twice and flossing once each day will go a long way in keeping gum disease at bay. However, it is just as important to include regular checkups and a healthy diet as well.

According to Dr. Ringer, gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss. If you have gum disease, the chances of food particles and bacteria entering your bloodstream are pretty good. In fact, people who have untreated gum disease are more susceptible to arterial sclerosis as the plaque that travels from your gums will stick to your blood vessels and arteries. If clotting occurs, you could have a stroke.

Alzheimer’s disease affects millions all over the world, and with mounting evidence touting gum disease as a major cause, it is hard to argue with the findings. In fact, nearly five million people in the United States suffer from Alzheimer’s with that number set to increase by about 70 percent in 2020.

Although family history may certainly play a part in the disease, a healthy lifestyle could delay the onset. When you introduce healthy habits to your family, you will decrease everyone’s chances of Alzheimer’s disease. Even older people can reap the benefits with lifestyle changes.

How You Can Avoid Alzheimer’s disease

Oral Hygiene-Avoiding gum disease is easy when you brush twice and floss once each day. Eat a healthy diet that is loaded with fruits and vegetables and be sure to rinse after snacking. Healthy gums go a long way in preventing life threatening conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease.

According to a study, Japanese Americans were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease when they drank fruit juice three times every week. Dr. Ringer recommends that you rinse after enjoying acidic fruit juices as they can damage the enamel on your teeth. Juice your own to cut down on sugar as well.

Exercise-If you don’t move, you will suffer the consequences. If you can’t tolerate the gym, get out and take a walk. You would be surprised at how great you will feel when you move around. Make a point to do something for a half hour every day, even if it’s just a quick jog around the block.

Dangers of Periodontal Disease

In another study conducted in Sweden on 109 identical twins, lifestyle played a major factor when it came to dementia. The study discovered that the pairs of identical twins who suffered from periodontitis early in life were a jaw dropping four times more apt to develop dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in their senior years. Researchers now believe that gum disease is a sign of swelling and inflammation, which could play a part in brain cell destruction.

Regular visits with your Orange County Dentist, Dr. Jack Ringer will help prevent gum disease. If gum disease is discovered in its early stages it may help you prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease when you get older.

Another factor when it comes to dementia is the ability to take care of oneself. If you are unable to brush and floss properly, schedule an appointment with Anaheim Hills Dentist Dr. Jack Ringer who can help you come up with a solution. You need to be able to brush and floss correctly if you want to avoid gingivitis, or the more serious periodontal disease.

Mouth bacteria enter the bloodstream when you eat. Keeping your mouth free from food particles will help you stay healthy in mouth and body and  can help prevent gum disease. If bacteria enter your blood stream it can lead to permanent brain tissue degeneration, which may be similar to what Alzheimer’s patients experience.

If you haven’t been to an OC Dentist in some time, call or click and schedule an appointment for a full dental checkup and a professional cleaning. Staying healthy is vital if you want to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Call or click and schedule your appointment with Dr. Jack Ringer from Dental Cosmetics today.