It can be easy to think of oral health as being separate from the rest of your body. However, the truth of the matter is that problems in your mouth can sometimes be linked with health issues elsewhere. In fact, recent studies have indicated that oral health could even have an impact on brain health! Here’s a closer look at the connection between your mouth and your brain – as well as how preventive dentistry can help protect your oral and overall health.
The Link Between Dental Health and Brain Health
Researchers have found that individuals with gum disease, missing teeth, and other symptoms associated with poor oral health tend to have a higher risk for strokes. Simply put, a stroke is the result of the blood flow to the brain becoming blocked; it can also happen if a blood vessel in the brain bursts.
Why are strokes seemingly related to oral health issues? It may be a consequence of harmful oral bacteria entering the bloodstream. This can lead to inflammation of the blood vessels, including those that are responsible for blood flow to the brain. Inflammation can significantly increase the chances of a blood clot blocking the flow of blood.
Dental health may affect the brain in other ways as well. A study published in Neurology® found that gum disease and tooth loss could be linked to shrinkage of the hippocampus (the part of the brain that handles memory and learning). This is significant because a shrinking hippocampus can be associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Note that there’s no evidence that poor oral health directly causes these issues, but the study does show that there’s a potential connection.
How Can Preventive Dentistry Protect Your Dental Health?
Protecting your smile could ultimately also mean protecting your brain and the rest of your body. As such, you should make a point of seeking regular preventive dentistry in the form of biannual checkups and cleanings.
During a routine dental visit, your dentist can check your mouth for early signs of decay and gum disease. If they find any concerning symptoms, they can help you take the necessary steps to treat the problem before it can lead to severe oral health consequences. On top of that, they can lower the risk of problems occurring in the first place by removing plaque and tartar from your smile.
In short, poor dental health could potentially have consequences for your brain, but fortunately, quality preventive dentistry can go a long way toward helping you avoid serious issues. If it has been a while since your last dental checkup and cleaning, reach out to your dentist today to schedule an appointment!
About the Author
Dr. Sherriff Ali is proud to be able to help his patients feel more confident about themselves by transforming their smiles. At Kaizen Family Dentistry in Wesley Chapel, he provides a wide range of services to address all kinds of dental concerns; naturally, this includes preventive dentistry services for protecting his patients’ grins against cavities and gum disease. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ali, visit his website or call (813) 461-3463.