The Remarkable Connection Between Oral Health and Brain Health

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The Remarkable Connection Between Oral Health and Brain Health

Oral health and brain health

When discussing health, the focus is often directed towards maintaining a fit body and a sharp mind. However, what if we were to tell you that your oral health, particularly the condition of your teeth, could have a significant impact on your brain health? Surprisingly, scientific research has unveiled a noteworthy relationship between oral health and the brain. Today, we will delve into the captivating connection between oral health and cognitive function, exploring how dental care plays a pivotal role in preserving brain health and overall well-being.


The Oral-Systemic Link:

Oral-Systemic Link

The concept of an oral-systemic link refers to the interconnectedness between oral health and overall systemic health. Numerous studies have highlighted the relationship between oral health and various systemic diseases. For instance, a study published in the FASEB Journal in 2009 demonstrated that periodontal diseases are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases (Piconi et al., 2009). Additionally, research has shown that poor oral health is linked to diabetes and adverse pregnancy outcomes (X. Li et al., 2000). This interconnection extends to brain health, as systemic inflammation caused by oral diseases can potentially impact the brain and contribute to cognitive decline (Chen et al., 2017).


Oral Health and Cognitive Impairment:

Oral health and cognitive impairment

A study published in Alzheimer's Research & Therapy in 2017 demonstrated that a decade of chronic periodontitis exposure was associated with a 1.707-fold increase in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (Chen et al., 2017). Furthermore, a study featured in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease in 2020 also reported the connection between periodontitis and Alzheimer's disease. The researchers identified a robust association between periodontal pathogens and AD, particularly in older adults (Beydoun et al., 2020). Prior to these studies, there was speculation about periodontitis potentially contributing to the progression of Alzheimer's disease through two possible mechanisms. Firstly, by inciting an elevation in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines due to the presence of periodontopathic microorganisms and the resulting host response (Abbayya et al., 2015). Secondly, by triggering the invasion of the brain by microorganisms found in the dental plaque biofilm (Abbayya et al., 2015). These findings provide compelling evidence of the link between periodontal disease and cognitive impairment.


Tooth Loss and Decline in Cognitive Function:

Tooth loss and cognitive decline

A meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Neurology in 2023 has affirmed the correlation between tooth loss and an elevated vulnerability to cognitive decline and dementia (L. Li et al., 2023). The study also revealed heightened links between tooth loss and the prevalent subtypes of dementia—Alzheimer's disease and Vascular Dementia (L. Li et al., 2023). Tooth loss detrimentally impacts chewing function, resulting in diminished digestive capabilities and reduced appetite. This study suggested that tooth loss contributes to decreased nutritional intake, ultimately leading to impaired brain functions, including cognition (L. Li et al., 2023).


Oral Hygiene and Brain Health:

Oral hygiene and brain health

Given that oral problems like periodontitis and tooth loss are linked to cognitive impairment, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for brain health. In a study published in the Journal of Dental Research, Naorungroj et al. found that cognitive decline was associated with poor oral health and hygiene, including less frequent toothbrushing, plaque deposits, and greater odds of edentulism over a six-year follow-up period (Naorungroj et al., 2013).


A Happy Smile and a Healthy Brain:

A happy smile and a healthy brain

One might never imagine the connection between oral health and brain health, but scientific research has provided compelling evidence of the oral-systemic link, the impact of oral health on neurological disorders, and the influence of tooth loss on cognitive impairment. This highlights the importance of taking care of our oral health to preserve cognitive function and overall well-being. Therefore, regular dental check-ups not only keep our smiles bright but also aid in the prevention of potential health issues, including those related to brain health. By recognizing and embracing this connection, we can take proactive steps to safeguard both our mouths and our brains for a brighter and healthier future.


References

Abbayya, K., Puthanakar, N. Y., Naduwinmani, S., & Chidambar, Y. S. (2015). Association between Periodontitis and Alzheimer’s Disease. North American Journal of Medical Sciences, 7(6), 241–246. https://doi.org/10.4103/1947-2714.159325

Beydoun, M. A., Beydoun, H. A., Hossain, S., El-Hajj, Z. W., Weiss, J., & Zonderman, A. B. (2020). Clinical and Bacterial Markers of Periodontitis and Their Association with Incident All-Cause and Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia in a Large National Survey. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease: JAD, 75(1), 157–172. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-200064

Chen, C.-K., Wu, Y.-T., & Chang, Y.-C. (2017). Association between chronic periodontitis and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease: A retrospective, population-based, matched-cohort study. Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy, 9(1), 56. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13195-017-0282-6

Li, L., Zhang, Q., Yang, D., Yang, S., Zhao, Y., Jiang, M., Wang, X., Zhao, L., Liu, Q., Lu, Z., Zhou, X., Gan, Y., & Wu, C. (2023). Tooth loss and the risk of cognitive decline and dementia: A meta-analysis of cohort studies. Frontiers in Neurology, 14, 1103052. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2023.1103052

Li, X., Kolltveit, K. M., Tronstad, L., & Olsen, I. (2000). Systemic diseases caused by oral infection. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 13(4), 547–558. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.13.4.547

Naorungroj, S., Slade, G. D., Beck, J. D., Mosley, T. H., Gottesman, R. F., Alonso, A., & Heiss, G. (2013). Cognitive decline and oral health in middle-aged adults in the ARIC study. Journal of Dental Research, 92(9), 795–801. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034513497960

Piconi, S., Trabattoni, D., Luraghi, C., Perilli, E., Borelli, M., Pacei, M., Rizzardini, G., Lattuada, A., Bray, D. H., Catalano, M., Sparaco, A., & Clerici, M. (2009). Treatment of periodontal disease results in improvements in endothelial dysfunction and reduction of the carotid intima-media thickness. FASEB Journal: Official Publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, 23(4), 1196–1204. https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.08-119578


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