{"id":533,"date":"2019-06-20T19:48:36","date_gmt":"2019-06-20T19:48:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.weatherfordfamilydentist.com\/blog\/?p=533"},"modified":"2019-06-20T19:48:36","modified_gmt":"2019-06-20T19:48:36","slug":"gum-disease-in-weatherford-alzheimers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.weatherfordfamilydentist.com\/blog\/gum-disease-in-weatherford-alzheimers\/","title":{"rendered":"How is Gum Disease in Weatherford Connected to Alzheimer\u2019s?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Alzheimer's\"June is Alzheimer\u2019s and Brain Awareness Month; would you be surprised to learn that your dentist is celebrating? You may not think that the state of your mouth has anything to do with the state of your brain, but multiple studies have found that oral health can be linked to overall health in various ways. In particular, gum disease in Weatherford seems to have a correlation to changes in the brain; here\u2019s what you need to know about this surprising connection.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

What is Alzheimer\u2019s?<\/h2>\n

Alzheimer\u2019s is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60% to 80% of all cases. It destroys the neurons involved in memory tasks, and later on it affects the areas in the cerebral cortex responsible for language and reasoning. Eventually, an Alzheimer\u2019s patient will no longer be able to function independently.<\/p>\n

What is Gum Disease?<\/h2>\n

Gum disease occurs when the bacteria that cause plaque in the mouth infect the gums. The earliest form is gingivitis, which causes bleeding and swelling; it eventually advances to periodontitis and can ultimately lead to tooth loss.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the Connection?<\/h2>\n

One study that examined the brain tissues of Alzheimer\u2019s patients found signs of the bacteria involved in gum disease; other researchers have made comparable findings. This can be attributed to the fact that once they\u2019ve infected the gums, bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to different parts of the body to cause damage.<\/p>\n

It has been theorized that when these bacteria reach the brain, it can trigger an immune response that has the unfortunate side effect of killing neurons, thus causing mental changes.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s as of yet uncertain whether gum disease is a direct cause of Alzheimer\u2019s. It\u2019s possible that the memory problems and behavioral changes brought about could lead to a decline in oral hygiene, so an infection in the gums may be a result of the mental deterioration rather than the cause. Right now, research is still being performed.<\/p>\n

Can Protecting My Gums Protect My Brain?<\/h2>\n

There\u2019s no evidence that healthy gums can prevent Alzheimer\u2019s or other forms of dementia. That said, oral bacteria has also been connected to other health conditions such as heart attacks and respiratory infections. It\u2019s therefore in your best interest to prevent gum disease by:<\/p>\n