The Link Between Gum Disease & Alzheimer's

Take good care of your gums! Good oral hygiene should be a priority no matter what but recently, researchers have found that gum disease plays a role in whether a person develops Alzheimer’s or not. Scientists have found proof that the gingivitis bacteria can move from the mouth to your brain. This bacteria can produce a protein that destroys nerve cells in your brain that leads to loss of memory and down the line Alzheimer’s.

Porphyromonas gingivalis is the bacteria, that causes gum infection. This bacteria can move from the gums to brain, where it can damage your nerve cells. About half the population has this bacteria in one form or another and of that 50%, about 10% of this population develops serious gum disease and have an increased risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease. When the bacteria moves from the mouth to the brain, its harmful enzymes can destroy the nerve cells in the brain causing Alzheimer’s. This bacteria has also been linked to various other diseases like rheumatism, COPD and esophageal cancer.

The bacteria does not cause Alzheimer’s by itself, but its presence raises the risk for developing the disease and for a rapid progression of the disease. There are preventative measures that you can take to help slow down Alzheimer’s. Brush and floss your teeth daily. If Alzheimer’s or gingivitis runs in your family, then go to your dentist regularly to get your teeth cleaned properly. 

For questions about gum health or if you suffer any of the symptoms listed above, contact Smiles by Bergen Dental and make an appointment. Smiles by Bergen Dental is conveniently located in Midland Park New Jersey, we're within minutes from Ridgewood, Wyckoff, Glen Rock, Paramus, Ramsey, Allendale, Saddle River, and Ho-Ho-Kus.