Study Finds Link Between Poor Oral Health And Dementia
A study carried out in America has found a link between poor oral health and dementia.
Researchers at the University of California revealed that people who brush their teeth less frequently are more likely to suffer from dementia. The research team found that people who brush their teeth less than once a day are up to 65 per cent more likely to develop dementia than people who brush their teeth twice a day.
The survey also revealed that people who have dementia have a higher level of bacteria associated with gum disease in their brains compared to people who do not have dementia.
According to the UK Alzheimer’s Society, decay and periodontal disease cause a great deal of pain and they get progressively worse, which means that infections become more advanced. Infections and dental pain contribute to the confusion state, which is commonly associated with dementia.
The study has been conducted over an 18 year period; as well as suggesting that poor oral health increases the risk of dementia, the study also revealed that most participants did not brush their teeth twice a day, as recommended by dentists.
The study found that regular check-ups, flossing and brushing are effective means of creating a barrier against conditions caused by bacteria in the mouth; in turn, this can reduce the risk of dementia, one of the most feared health conditions among older people.
Researchers said that most people are aware of the importance of brushing their teeth twice a day to keep their teeth healthy and strong, but now there is even more incentive to clean your teeth.
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