In recent years, a growing body of research has highlighted a surprising connection between oral health and brain health. As dental professionals, understanding the broader implications of oral hygiene can empower us to provide even greater value to our patients. One of the most concerning areas of the current research is the connection between oral inflammation and Alzheimer’s disease.

The Oral-Systemic Health Connection

The mouth is often referred to as the gateway to the body, and for good reason. It is home to millions of bacteria, some beneficial and some potentially harmful. Good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and preventive care, dental hygiene appointments help maintain a healthy balance of these bacteria. However, poor oral health can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease, which has been linked to various systemic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and more recently, Alzheimer’s disease.

Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and personality changes. It affects millions worldwide, posing significant challenges for patients, families, and healthcare systems. Alzheimer’s Disease is an inflammatory disease that occurs from the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain, such as amyloid-beta plaques. Amyloid-beta plaque and Tau Tangles are key factors when diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease.

These same inflammatory proteins are also found in the oral cavity of patients who experience gingivitis and periodontitis.

The Link Between Oral Health and Alzheimer’s

Emerging research suggests that periodontal disease and poor oral health contribute to the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The primary culprit of Alzheimer’s disease is believed to be inflammation. Chronic oral infections can lead to systemic inflammation, and this can accelerate the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary (Tau Tangles) tangles in the brain, a hallmark feature of Alzheimer’s Disease.

One bacterium in particular, Porphyromonas gingivalis, commonly associated with periodontal disease, has been found in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. This bacterium can travel from the mouth to the brain, where it can contribute to inflammation which contributes to cognitive decline.

Importance of Preventive Dental Hygiene Appointments

Given this connection, preventive dental hygiene appointments are more crucial than ever. By maintaining optimal oral health, patients reduce inflammation in the mouth and lower the risk of systemic diseases, including Alzheimer’s Disease.

Here are some strategies to promote oral health and possibly protect brain health:

1. Routine Preventive Dental Hygiene Appointments: Encourage patients to schedule routine dental hygiene appointments at least twice a year for routine cleanings and examinations. Regular visits help detect and address oral health issues before they become a chronic disease. Patients who have a history of periodontal disease need to be seen for dental hygiene appointments more frequently. Dental professionals need to understand the benefits of photobiomodulation in prevention of inflammatory diseases. (See resources below #5 listed below to learn more about this.)
2. Daily Oral Hygiene: Educate patients on the importance of brushing twice a day and using dental floss or an interproximal oral hygiene aid to clean between the teeth every day.

Our message to patients: “Proper oral hygiene removes plaque and reduces the risk of gum disease. A healthy mouth leads to a longer and healthier life!”

     3. Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Advise patients to adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and            whole grains, and to limit sugar intake. Sugar contributes to inflammation and inflammation            contributes the the proteins that cause dementia. Additionally, discourage any type of tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption, both which negatively impact oral and overall health. Exercise, aerobic – HIIT training – Level 2 exercise, and lifting weights also show promise to reduce cognitive decline. (See references below. #’s 6 & 7 to learn more about exercise and weight lifting.)

• Managing Chronic Conditions: Encourage patients with diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and other chronic systemic conditions, to manage their health proactively, as these conditions can exacerbate periodontal disease and inflammation, all which contribute to Alzheimer’s Disease.
• Stay Informed: As dental professionals, staying updated on the latest research linking oral health and systemic diseases is vital. This knowledge enables us to educate patients effectively and advocate for our patients overall well-being.

Conclusion

While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between oral inflammation and Alzheimer’s Disease. Current evidence underscores the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and a healthy mouth. Dental professionals play a significant role in reducing oral inflammation and promoting overall health which can potentially lower our patients risk for Alzheimer’s Disease.

As we continue to explore the intricate connections between oral and systemic health, dental professionals are uniquely positioned to make a meaningful impact on our patients’ lives. Encouraging optimal oral health is not just about preserving smiles—it’s about contributing to long-lasting brain health and enhancing quality of our patients’ life for years to come.

Our job as dental professionals is to help patients live a longer and healthier life. This must be our message to patients in our dental world today!

For more information about this topic refer to the references below and plan to attend one of Debbie’s CE Courses during 2025. Email, or call us to book a course for your dental society, association or dental hygiene meeting.

References.

1. Porphyromonas Gingivalis and Alzheimer’s Disease. P. gingivalis in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Science Advances. Stephen S Dominy, et.al. 23 Jan 2019 Vol 5, Issue 1 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau33.

2. How can Periodontitis or Periodontal Bacteria Influence Alzheimer’s Disease Features? A Systematic           Review of Pre-Clinical Studies. J Alzheimers Disease. 2023 Nov 21;96(3):979–1010. doi   10.3233/JAD-230478.

3. Association between Tooth Loss and Cognitive Function among 3063 Chinese Older Adults: A            Community-Based Study. PLOS ONE. 2015 Mar 24;10(3):e0120986. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120986

4. Periodontal Health and Disease in the Context of Systemic Diseases. Mediators Inflamm. 2023 May 13;2023:9720947. doi: 10.1155/2023/9720947.

5. Therapeutic Potential of Photobiomodulation In Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review. J Lasers Med Sci. 2020 Dec 30;11(Suppl 1):S16–S22. doi: 10.34172/jlms.2020.S3.

6. Cognitive benefits from high intensity interval training may last for years. Medical News Today. Jessica Freeborn on July 23, 2024. Accessed on December 9, 2024.

7. The effects of resistance exercise on cognitive function, amyloidogenesis, and neuroinflammation in  Alzheimer’s disease. Caroline Vieira Azevedo, et,al.  Front Neurosci. 2023 Mar 2;17:1131214. doi: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1131214.

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