Oral Health & Brain Health – What’s the Link?

Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. You may see a dentist to address dental health instead of a medical doctor, but it goes hand in hand with your overall health. Having oral health issues can lead to various different problems with your general health. It can even impact your brain function. Continue reading to learn about the connection between the two.

What Is the Connection Between Brain Health & Oral Health?

The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. This is very common and can generally be reversed with excellent oral hygiene and some help from your dentist. However, when left unaddressed, this can progress to a more serious stage of gum disease called periodontitis. This is when subgingival pockets develop between the teeth and gums. This fills with debris and bacteria and can be nearly impossible to get rid of completely.

There is a certain type of bacteria found in periodontitis which is also present in the brains of those who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. This is called Porphyromonas gingivalis. A U.S. pharmaceutical company, Cortexyme, did a test on mice to show how these bacteria spread to the brain and result in characteristic feature so f Alzheimer’s disease.

How Do You Prevent Gum Disease?

Even though gum disease is common, it is also easy to prevent. Here are some of the ways that you can keep your gums healthy.

• Brush Twice Daily: Brush after meals to remove food debris and plaque from your teeth. Don’t forget to give your tongue a thorough brush as well.
• Floss Daily: Your toothbrush doesn’t reach all of the crevices in your mouth. This is why it’s important to take the time to floss. This way, you can remove food debris from beneath the gumline and between the teeth.
• Use Mouthwash: Using a mouth rinse helps to wash away remaining good particles that you missed when brushing and flossing.
• See Your Dentist: Seeing your dentist on a regular basis is necessary for excellent oral health. During your professional cleaning, your dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar buildups, and your dentist will be able to detect early signs of gum disease so it can be treated before becoming serious.
• Know Your Risk: Many different factors can contribute to periodontal disease, like your age, smoking habits, diet, and genetics. If you are at higher risk, this is something you should bring up to your dentist.

Gum disease can result in various issues, so it’s important to maintain excellent oral hygiene. By staying on top of your dental health and seeing your dentist, you can keep your gums and brain healthy.

About the Practice

At North Jacksonville Complete Dentistry, Dr. Tim Bradberry, Dr. Tam Truong, and Dr. William D. Baxter work together to treat patients in the Jacksonville community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call