{"id":180,"date":"2020-08-09T20:00:39","date_gmt":"2020-08-09T20:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.worcesterdentalimplants.com\/blog\/?p=180"},"modified":"2020-08-24T20:02:08","modified_gmt":"2020-08-24T20:02:08","slug":"periodontist-in-worcester-explains-the-link-between-gum-disease-and-alzheimers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.worcesterdentalimplants.com\/blog\/periodontist-in-worcester-explains-the-link-between-gum-disease-and-alzheimers\/","title":{"rendered":"Gum Disease and Alzheimer\u2019s: What is the Hidden Link?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"aCurrently, there are millions of Americans living with some form of gum disease. What can start as gingivitis (the first stage) can quickly escalate and develop into a more serious condition known as periodontitis. Without proper treatment<\/a> by a periodontist in Worcester, patients can begin to experience bone and tooth loss as well as serious health conditions, one of which is Alzheimer\u2019s. This devastating disease robs the mind and steals away a person\u2019s ability to remember people, places, and even themselves. But how can a problem that starts in the mouth lead to an issue within the brain? A local periodontist explains the hidden link that connects the two.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Connection Between Alzheimer\u2019s and Gum Disease<\/h2>\n

Researchers at the University of Central Lancashire found a link between Alzheimer\u2019s and P. gingivalis (Porphyromonas gingivalis), which is a specific type of bacteria that develops in individuals with periodontitis. This same bacterium was also found in people living with Alzheimer\u2019s. While it\u2019s not a guarantee that someone who has gum disease will develop this neurological disease or vice versa, there is much research that points to it being a possibility.<\/p>\n

To take a closer look, researchers injected P. gingivalis into the gums of healthy mice, which later appeared in their brains. It was also discovered that the animal\u2019s brain experienced damage to the neurons and increased levels of beta-amyloid, which when clumped together, forms plaque within the brains of individuals living with Alzheimer\u2019s.<\/p>\n

While this specific study doesn\u2019t provide enough evidence to definitively say that individuals living with gum disease will 100% end up with Alzheimer\u2019s, it is a clear indicator that there is a connection between the bacteria found in both the gums and brain.<\/p>\n

Ways to Prevent Gum Disease<\/h2>\n

While researchers remain on the fence as to whether a lack of flossing will ultimately lead to a decrease in cognitive brain functioning, they do recommend individuals take necessary steps to maintain good oral health.<\/p>\n

If you currently suffer from gum disease, there are ways in which your periodontist can help. By employing treatments such as scaling and root planing, they can remove plaque and tartar accumulations and smooth out the tooth roots to encourage proper reattachment. This typically requires more frequent visits to keep the gum tissue from becoming infected again.<\/p>\n

If you are not yet seeing the signs attributed to gum disease (i.e. red, swollen, tender gums that bleed), here are some tips that can help keep your oral tissues and teeth disease-free:<\/p>\n