Preventing gum disease isn’t just important for keeping your teeth; it may be essential for the health of your brain. We at Ardas Family Dental are dedicated to helping our patients understand how serious oral health is. Scientists have already linked gum disease to a large number of ailments, including diabetes and rheumatism. Now, it appears that gum disease can also be a major factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Porphyromonas gingivalis is a disease-causing species of oral bacteria that defends itself by producing toxic enzymes called gingipains. In animal testing, gingipains were found to produce the neural plaque that causes Alzheimer’s disease, and in a recent study, scientists found unusually high numbers of gingipains in the saliva, brains, and spinal fluid of people who displayed Alzheimer’s symptoms. It is also well-established that gingipains move from the mouth to the brain in other species.
In a recently published study, scientists announced that gingipains can also travel from the mouth to the brain in living humans. This is strong evidence that P. gingivalis is a driver of Alzheimer’s disease, and not just something that develops because people already suffering Alzheimer’s symptoms have difficulty brushing their teeth. Although it’s too early to say that gum disease is the primary contributor to Alzheimer’s, it’s certainly a good reason for people to brush and floss twice every day and to see us if they develop gingivitis.
Dr. Roopi Kattaura operates Ardas Family Dental at 10233 S Parker Rd, Suite 205, Parker, Colorado. Call 720-459-8420 or visit Ardas Family Dental and fill out a contact sheet.
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