Can Poor Oral Hygiene Cause Dementia?

Although most of us are probably aware that a good standard of oral hygiene is crucially important to us, research has been carried-out to explore the connection between tooth loss and dementia. The findings of this research may be an indication that taking extra care with your dental health is advisable, as not doing so could result in severe mental issues.

A study conducted between 2007-2012 by researchers at Kyushu University, Japan and published in the peer-reviewed Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, retrieved results showing that 180 (11.5%) of the 1,500 people participating in the study developed some form of dementia. Exploring these results further in specific detail, the results show that subjects who had between 10 and 19 teeth were at a 62% higher risk of suffering from dementia, those who had just 1-9 teeth had an 81% greater chance of developing dementia and individuals with no teeth at all seemed to be at a 63% increased risk of dementia.

Responding to the Findings

The researchers responsible for this study have also commented that these findings are representative of the fact that ensuring that your teeth remain at a good standard of health is a means of reducing the chance of developing dementia. The researchers have also suggested reasons as to why it might be that tooth loss is related to the development of dementia, highlighting the way that the flow of blood to the brain could be stimulated through chewing, or that those with a full-set of teeth may have a healthier diet. They also referred to the idea that inflammation as a result of gum disease or long-term tooth decay could possibly make it more likely for someone to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.

How Does This Study Help Us?

This study draws attention to various issues, but it is also worth stressing that the limited nature of this study makes it difficult to be convinced of the connection between poor oral health and the development of dementia. These limitations are primarily the low number of people studied in the research and the small amount of people who were recorded as having dementia.

The NHS has highlighted that the fact that, according to research that has been carried-out elsewhere, it is likely that there are actually many potential causes for dementia and that the study conducted by researchers at Kyushu University fails to convince us of the direct relationship between tooth loss and dementia. 

On the Positive Side

However, given that this study underlines the connection that exists between oral health and a person’s overall health, it does reaffirm the importance of making every effort to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.

To maintain the health of your teeth and gums, it is important to follow these important oral health tips:

• Brush your teeth at least twice every day
• It is preferable to brush with an electric toothbrush
• Floss at least once every day
• Use mouthwash
• Scrub your tongue
• Chew sugar-free gum after every meal
• Have regular dental check-ups.

There are plenty of other tips relevant to keeping teeth and gums healthy that you should know about; check our dental tips page for more.

MSC-Midlands Smile Centres

For keeping teeth at their best and for the regular dental visits that you need, placing yourself in the expert hands of MSC is the ideal option for you. With their various practices situated across Birmingham, Midlands Smile Centres are easily accessible and can provide an array of different treatment types. From implants and orthodontics to cosmetic dentistry and even facial aesthetics, the friendly, helpful and vastly experienced team at MSC will make your smile their priority.

Contact MSC today and learn what we can do for you!!