Gum disease may be bad for your brain, researchers say

It might sound strange, but brushing your teeth can do more than just freshen your breath. New research suggests that a healthy mouth is also important for your brain, and that gum disease can be detrimental to your overall health.

Older adults with gingivitis were found to show more frequent signs of brain damage in the white brain tissue, the part that facilitates communication between different brain regions.

Metro recently wrote about how many Dutch people don't brush their teeth every day.

The study, published in Neurology Open Access , looked at over 1,100 adults with an average age of 77. About three-quarters of them suffered from gum disease. Researchers found that this group had, on average, more white matter hyperintensities . These are bright spots on brain scans that indicate damaged tissue.

People with gingivitis had an average of 2.83 percent of their brain volume damaged, compared to 2.52 percent in people without gingivitis. They also had a 56 percent higher risk of serious damage to the white brain tissue, even after adjusting for other risk factors such as age, blood pressure, and smoking.

White brain tissue is made up of nerve fibers that transmit information throughout the brain. Damage to this tissue can affect memory, balance, and concentration, and increases the risk of stroke. According to lead researcher Souvik Sen of the University of South Carolina, the study shows that oral health may play a role in brain health, something we are only just beginning to understand.

While thestudy doesn't prove a causal link, scientists believe that inflammation in the mouth can affect the blood vessels in the brain. Chronic mouth inflammation could contribute to poorer blood flow and subtle brain damage.

"Gum disease is preventable and treatable," says Sen. "If future studies confirm this link, addressing oral inflammation could become a new way to reduce brain damage caused by small blood vessels. For now, it mainly emphasizes the importance of good oral care for your long-term memory and brain health."

In short: brushing twice a day, flossing and visiting the dentist occasionally is not only good for your smile, but possibly for your brain as well.

People are also increasingly turning to biological dentists. Metro explains exactly what that entails here.

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