Research suggests a link between poor oral health and dementia (Image: Getty)
A leading health expert has issued a call to action for individuals to dedicate just four minutes daily to a straightforward activity that could significantly decrease their risk of dementia. In conversation with ZOE Health co-founder Jonathan Wolf, Dr Alp Kantarci highlighted the benefits of brushing your teeth for two minutes in the morning and again in the evening.
Dr Kantarci holds a senior position at the Forsyth Institute—an independent research organisation dedicated to understanding the interplay between oral health and overall well-being. He also serves on the faculty at Harvard University School of Dental Medicine.
The scientist, dentist, oral health researcher, periodontist, and dental implant surgeon has an impressive track record with over 190 peer-reviewed scientific articles and more than 170 presentations at dental and medical conferences.
On an episode of ZOE’s podcast, Jonathan Wolf delved into the connection between oral cavity health and dementia with Dr Kantarci. It comes as research shows more than 50 systemic health conditions, including Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and heart disease, are linked to oral diseases.
Dr Kantarci warned: “If you neglect your oral health, you increase your risk of heart disease, your diabetes, your dementia, and your other diseases anywhere in your body.” Research has shown a link between inadequate oral hygiene and the risk of developing dementia, reports .
Research suggests a potential link between poor oral health, particularly gum disease or periodontitis, and an increased risk of developing dementia. The mouth is home to numerous bacteria, with most being harmless.
However, some types, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, are known to cause gum disease. Studies have found that people with Alzheimer’s disease often have higher levels of these harmful bacteria linked to gum problems.
The bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis can travel from the mouth to the brain through the bloodstream. Once in the brain, it releases enzymes known as gingipains that can destroy nerve cells, potentially leading to inflammation and contributing to memory loss and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
An article titled “Evidence summary: the relationship between oral health and dementia” indicates that individuals with less than ideal oral health may have an increased risk of cognitive impairment, although further research across various settings is needed. Additionally, tooth loss has been identified as a possible risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia.
A comprehensive review of 14 studies involving over 34,000 participants showed that those with tooth loss were about 1.5 times more likely to suffer from cognitive impairment.
Professor Alpdogan Kantarci has shared the surprising link between dementia and oral health (stock image) (Image: Getty)
Ignoring dental care can lead to a buildup of bacteria on the teeth, causing gum inflammation known as gingivitis. Without treatment, this condition may develop into a chronic infection called periodontitis, with bacteria triggering persistent immune responses and ongoing inflammation.
While some research indicates a possible link, experts clarify that bad oral hygiene isn’t a direct cause of dementia, and further studies are needed to determine the exact relationship.
How to keep your mouth clean:
In terms of maintaining oral cleanliness, the specialist from Harvard points out that caring for more than just the teeth is vital. He shared: “Teeth are only one part of the equation. You have to not only clean the teeth or have the teeth become very shiny, but you also have to clean up the gums that are actually around your teeth, which is very important.”
He also advised: “You also have to clean your tongue, for instance, after you brush your teeth because the tongue is also a big reservoir for a lot of the bacteria that can actually create a lot of problems for your oral health and your systemic health.”
Regular tooth brushing, tongue cleaning, flossing, and using mouthwash are all critical steps in promoting oral health and potentially reducing the risk of dementia.
You can fight off gingivitis with strong oral health habits, including daily flossing and brushing twice a day and staying current on regular dental check-ups (Image: Getty)
Maintaining a regular routine of brushing and flossing is crucial in preventing gum disease, which can also help reduce the risk of associated cognitive decline. Regular dental check-ups are equally important for early detection and management of oral health issues, especially for older individuals.
What’s a good brushing routine?
Dr Kantarci advises: “Make sure that you’re not skipping the evening brushing. That’s very important. Because you cannot skip that because your saliva flow goes the lowest at night when you’re sleeping. So the lubricating function is not there anymore. So don’t skip the evening brushing.”
He continues: “Brushing in the morning is also important. And then in the midday, if you can brush yes. Flossing at least once a day, preferably before you go to bed, because you don’t want any carbohydrates to get stuck between your teeth, so that the bacteria cannot really breed on them.”
What is dementia?
Dementia refers to a collection of brain disorders that lead to issues with memory, thinking, and performing everyday activities. While it is not a typical aspect of ageing, it tends to be more prevalent among older adults. symptoms include:
- Forgetting things or recent events
- Getting lost when walking or driving
- Difficulty solving problems or making decisions
- Difficulty following conversations or finding the right word
- Changes in behaviour, such as becoming anxious, irritable, or sad