{"id":476,"date":"2023-06-13T15:05:06","date_gmt":"2023-06-13T15:05:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.21stcenturydental.com\/blog\/?p=476"},"modified":"2025-04-30T13:01:40","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T13:01:40","slug":"alzheimers-disease-and-brain-awareness-month-the-link-with-gum-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.21stcenturydental.com\/blog\/alzheimers-disease-and-brain-awareness-month-the-link-with-gum-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Maintaining a Clean Smile Keep Your Brain Safe?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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While brushing and flossing your teeth, you\u2019re likely mainly thinking about keeping your mouth and pearly whites clean. But did you know that practicing good oral hygiene can also help minimize your risk of developing Alzheimer\u2019s disease? Though this might sound unreal, recent studies and research is beginning to show a close relationship between your oral and cognitive well-being. Since June is Alzheimer\u2019s & Brain Awareness Month, here\u2019s how taking care of your teeth can help preserve your smile and brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Link Between Your Mind & Mouth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s easy to see that the vital organ that\u2019s closest to your mouth is your brain. Scientists have been researching these areas of the body for many years, and they\u2019ve found something intriguing between the two regions. According to their findings, the oral bacteria associated most with gum disease<\/a> (porphyromonas gingivalis<\/em>) can typically be found in the brains of people who are suffering from Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, these studies are only presenting a correlation between these bacteria and Alzheimer\u2019s, and not a causation. Even so, due to the deep connection, many healthcare professionals are starting to recommend strict oral hygiene for those who wish to significantly reduce their risk. Though there is still much research to be done, the implications are astounding. If it\u2019s true that the same bacteria in gum disease is responsible for causing or making someone vulnerable to Alzheimer\u2019s, then there are already preventive methods available to lower people\u2019s chances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Lower Your Risk of Gum Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With this knowledge, it\u2019s relatively easy to see how you can avoid these oral and cognitive issues. The main step you can take is to practice a well-rounded daily oral hygiene regimen, which will greatly reduce the number of harmful germs that can accumulate in your mouth. Not only will you protect yourself from problems like gum disease, but you might even protect your brain health in the process. Here are several ways to maintain a clean and healthy smile:<\/p>\n\n\n\n