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!!

Smile Dentistry

Smile dentistry encompasses a range of cosmetic treatments designed to improve the look of your smile. These may be as simple as removing staining, whitening fillings or hiding damaged teeth. There isn't a compelling health reason for undergoing these procedures; having them done is dependent solely on how you feel about your teeth and how they look.

What Problems Can Cosmetic Dentistry Solve:

1. Stained or Yellow Teeth

Stained or yellow teeth can be a result of several dietary or other habits. Drinking coffee, wine or eating strongly coloured foods such as curry spices and berries, or acidic foods such as oranges can contribute to staining of the teeth. Smoking is also a common reason why teeth become yellow or stained. This staining effect is exacerbated if the natural enamel on your teeth is already weak.

You may feel that your teeth are yellow or stained, and this may cause you distress. You may feel less confident about smiling or showing your teeth in the manner that you wish you could.

Tooth Whitening treatment is a form of Smile Dentistry that can help with stained teeth. At MSC we provide tooth whitening in the form of a tooth whitening kit. Firstly, your suitability for this treatment will be ascertained by one of our dentists. Then trays made specifically for your teeth and jaw will be created. After that you will wear the trays filled with whitening gel for a few hours every day until you are satisfied with the colour of your teeth. 

2. Dull Grey or Dark fillings

Traditionally patients were given fillings by dentists that were composed of a metallic-looking material. These metallic-looking fillings were grey in colour and not especially appealing to the eye. They can cause a person to look older, or less healthy. This less-than-attractive appearance can make those who have these fillings feel self-conscious about laughing or smiling. They may even feel that their fillings are a hindrance to them achieving the perfect smile.

White Fillings are a form of Smile Dentistry that offer a cosmetic alternative to more old-fashioned grey fillings. White fillings offer a more natural, attractive appearance than traditional fillings, and they are also just as strong as grey fillings. At MSC, our highly experienced dentists will be happy to replace any grey fillings you may have for new, natural looking, white fillings.

3. Discoloured Teeth

Some people may have certain teeth that are not the colour they are supposed to be. When individual teeth are discoloured they stand-out from the rest of the teeth in a person's mouth. This can lead to feelings of embarrassment or awkwardness for the person affected, bringing about a desire to hide their smile from others. 

The problem of discoloured teeth involves dealing with individual teeth instead of a whole set of teeth. Therefore, in this case, tooth whitening treatment is not the solution. 

In this case, we would recommend Veneers. Veneers are thin layers of material. They are usually made out of porcelain and are placed over the discoloured tooth to hide its imperfection. The difference a veneer can make is a very profound one, and often surprising. It is sure to elevate the standard of your smile.

4. Damaged Teeth

Teeth can become damaged in all sorts of different ways. Sometimes, the damage is as minimal as chipping. However, for those who have suffered this dental damage, the imperfection may be discomforting, damaging their smile and their self-confidence.

Again, veneers are what we would recommend here. With that thin layer of porcelain to cover the tooth, the flaw will be hidden from view and you can relax knowing that your smile looks just as it should. With the use of Veneers, the cosmetic improvement to your smile can be easily achieved.

5. Missing teeth 

This is a frequent occurrence in Britain and it is common for our dentists to see this on a daily basis. A missing tooth commonly causes a reduction of self confidence in a person, damaging their overall self esteem. A Dental Implant is a fantastic way to regain your smile and confidence. This treatment ensures a more pleasing and natural look to your smile.  

The Smile That You Want

Achieving the smile that you want, unquestionably depends on taking care of your teeth well. However, there are times when a little outside help or adjustment can also be appropriate and you may choose to have cosmetic or smile dentistry treatment. Whatever you are hoping to achieve with your smile, Midland Smile Centres' team of expertly skilled dentists will listen to you, assist you and help you reach the results you are looking for.

More About Midlands Smiles Centres

Midlands Smile Centres are based in several different locations around Birmingham including Sheldon and Selly Oak. Our practices are conveniently located and, to enable our patients to receive the treatments they want without excessive financial restrictions. Our Smile Plan spreads out the costs of the dental treatments you opt for, making them more affordable for you. Our commitment to continued professional development, means that all of our dentists attend training regularly in order to learn about the latest dental treatment methods and dental instrumentation, so that you are given the most up-to-date standard of dental care.

Get in touch with us today to find out more about what we can do for you!

20 Dental Tips: The DOs and DONT's

1) DO → Floss

Flossing is something that you should definitely do on a regular basis. The reason we recommend it so highly is that it removes the particles of food from your teeth that general brushing usually cannot. Extracting these pieces of whatever it is that you've consumed is so beneficial because it helps to remove plaque.

2) DO → Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash is available in many different varieties these days. The general advantage that mouthwash offers is that it is able to get to the areas of your mouth that your toothbrush isn't capable of, helping your teeth to stay cleaner and to reduce the risk of plaque build-up. It is widely advised that you leave some time after brushing before you use your mouthwash each day, so that the fluoride in the toothpaste has a chance to work. Mouthwash will leave you with fresher breath, too.

3) DON'T → Use Teeth as Tools

Whilst it may sometimes seem easier and more convenient to hold things or open things with your teeth, it is not an idea that is recommended. By doing this you actually run the risk of causing damage to your teeth.

4) DO → Drink Water/Rinsing your Mouth with Water

We often hear that drinking water is a real boost to our overall health. However, it is very advantageous to your dental health, too. If you drink water promptly after finishing a meal and rinse your mouth with it as you do, you will dislodge any pieces of food left clinging to your teeth.

5) DON'T → Eat Too Many High-Sugar Foods

Certain types of food have a high-sugar content. We all know the kinds of thing that are heavy in sugar, and many of them taste delicious. Nonetheless, it is wise to eat these tasty things in moderation. Some sweet treats, like lollipops and caramel, are particularly detrimental to good dental health.

6) DO → Brush Regularly

Twice a day is the general advice given pertaining to daily teeth brushing, however, an extra session of brushing, or at least brushing following each of your meals, may be a better approach to take for better teeth all-round.

7) DON'T → Drink Too Many High-Sugar Drinks

There can be a large amount of sugar inside drinks, too. So it's always sensible to give some thought to what you're sipping on and how this will affect your teeth. The acidity of drink is also a problem for your teeth. So while a drink like cola is not great for your teeth, neither is red wine.

8) DO → Use an Electric Toothbrush

This is an excellent alternative to the standard manual toothbrush. The electric toothbrush is able to give a consistently thorough clean around each of your teeth, unlike a manual toothbrush, which gives an insufficient clean. The electric toothbrush, due to its small head, is able to reach difficult areas of your mouth, too.

9) DON'T → Use Low-Cost Providers for Procedures Like Dental Implants

A very specific yet very useful tip, low-cost providers for dental implant procedures are not recommended. It is crucial that you find a dentist with an extensive record of successful dental implant procedures. Midlands Smile Centres, for example, have over 25 years of experience in performing these procedures with successful results.

10) DO → Brush Your Tongue

There is no denying that brushing your tongue can make breath fresher and give you a cleaner, nicer overall feeling in your mouth after brushing. What may be less well-known, is that brushing your tongue actually decreases the number of bacteria inside your mouth. As a result of this, your teeth will be better off as well.

11) DON'T → Use the Same Toothbrush for Too Long

For electric toothbrushes, the head of the brush should be changed at regular intervals; the frequency of this change is usually once every three months. This is so that you are not using a head with worn-down bristles that are less successful at giving your teeth the kind of clean that they need. If you still have a manual toothbrush, then you should ensure that this is changed for a new one every three months as well.

12) DO → Use Sugar-free Gum

By chewing sugar-free gum you will increase the saliva inside your mouth, which helps to neutralise the acidity on your teeth. This means that sugar-free gum is useful after you have finished a meal. It can additionally help to free your teeth from any fragments of food that may still be clinging to them.

13) DON'T → Press Too Hard During Brushing

We all want to be thorough when we're brushing our teeth, but you should be cautious about applying too much pressure as you brush. Doing this can cause your teeth problems, such as gum damage.

14) DO → Increase Consumption of Foods Beneficial to Teeth

There are certain types of food that can actually enhance your dental health. Examples of these foods include cheese, strawberries and yoghurt. This may be worth bearing in mind in regards to your weekly diet and what you choose to buy when you go to the supermarket.

15) DO → Have Regular Dental Check-Ups

Vitally important, seeing your dentist on a regular basis allows your teeth to be checked for any issues that either require immediate attention and for your general dental health to be ascertained. There is also the possibility at dental check-ups, to ask any questions you might have, and for any issues with your teeth to be given expert attention before the problem worsens and becomes more severe.

16) DON'T → Rush your Brushing

Make time to brush your teeth properly. Life can be busy and it's easy to think you can just do a quick brush and rush off to the next thing. However, this often means that you miss parts of the mouth and teeth, leading to a build up of bacteria, plaque and acid in those areas. Rushing and not being careful can also lead to careless mistakes, such as slipping and damaging your teeth or gums.

17) DO → Have Necessary Treatments

This may sound obvious, but having the dental treatments you have been advised to have is crucial to keeping your teeth healthy. It is easy to delay having procedures done, or easy to forget about them. Whatever the obstacle, it's definitely not good to delay the treatment you have been told is important to your dental health.

18) DON'T → Ignore Dental Problems

For whatever reason - lack of time, nervousness - it is possible to ignore dental problems that you have become aware of. You may not think these problems are that severe, or you may be under the impression that you can cope, perhaps by relying on occasional painkillers. This is not helpful, however, because the issue you have noticed may be part of a larger, more serious dental difficulty. Failing to respond quickly to issues with your teeth can result in more extreme dental complications later on.

19) DO → Wait an Hour after Eating before Brushing

Giving yourself an hour between finishing your meal and giving your teeth a brush is something worth thinking about. Brushing your teeth too soon can damage your teeth's enamel.

20) DO → Choose your Brush Carefully

There is currently a wide selection of toothbrushes available in the shops. Take your time to browse through the options. You might find that certain types are more suitable for your teeth, and some types less so. Those who have chosen the more efficient option of purchasing an electric toothbrush will also discover a variety of head types, each with their own specific advantages to you.