The Link Between Dental Care and Dementia

Dental health can have a profound effect on the rest of the body. For instance, high amounts of bacteria inside the mouth not only affects the gums but inflammation can spread throughout the body. Cavities that progress may contribute to an infection that eventually leads to jawbone loss.

Studies examining the connection of dental health to other medical conditions have uncovered a link between gum disease and tooth decay, with a higher risk for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Dental Health Research

Your mouth contains about 700 species of bacteria. An imbalance or accumulation of certain species can contribute to gum disease or encourage tooth decay.

Published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, researchers for the National Institute on Aging (NIA) examined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to study the relationship between gum disease, Alzheimer’s and other dementia diagnoses for about 6,000 individuals.

Data was also compared with Medicare records and the National Death Index. Participants underwent a dental exam to determine the presence of gum disease and also received a blood test to detect related bacteria. Researchers looked for 19 strains of oral bacteria, including those which may contribute to the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein plaques on the brain.

Researchers noticed that older adults with some degree of gum disease or another mouth infection had a higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This relationship was noted as a correlation rather than a causation. Older adults developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease are less likely to keep up with oral care, which can increase the presence of bacteria strains in the mouth.

A study published in Science Advances detected a similar relationship. Specifically, bacteria can migrate from the mouth to the brain, where it releases enzymes known as gingipain that can kill memory cells at a faster rate. Over time, this pattern contributes to memory loss, cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

In a third study, research conducted by the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing found a correlation between the number of teeth lost and degree of cognitive decline. However, researchers hypothesized that missing teeth could pose difficulties with chewing and getting proper significant nutrition, as well as contribute to gum disease.

These factors may accelerate inflammation, which can influence cognitive health and increase Alzheimer’s disease risks. Those with more missing teeth were nearly 1.5 times likelier to be diagnosed with cognitive impairment and 1.28 times likelier to develop dementia.

Other Oral Care Concerns

Oral care habits can fall by the wayside as Alzheimer’s disease progresses. In particular, an individual may skip brushing, forget to use mouthwash or no longer recognize the importance of dental health. Flossing may become impossible for someone with limited dexterity and other physical impairments caused by this progressive disease.

To help manage an aging loved one’s oral care routine, you may need to:

• Set reminders for them to brush their teeth or help them with this task.
• Be aware of factors related to their dental health as a whole, such as eating and digestive difficulties, which can signify tooth pain or an infection.
• Take your loved one to regular checkups and notify the dentist if they have dementia.

If your loved one is experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia and needs more comprehensive care, trust the team at West Hartford Health & Rehabilitation Center. Our facility is staffed with professionals trained to support residents with these challenging conditions. To learn more, contact us today.