How Poor Dental Health in Arcadia Can Affect Your Brain

While the majority of patients with Alzheimer’s are over the age of 65, the truth is that it can affect people of all ages. While there is no definitively known cause for the disorder, there are various risk factors that have been associated with it. These include age, family history, genetics and, surprisingly, your mouth. Here are the facts on how dental health in Arcadia can be linked to the brain – and why preventive treatment is so important.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia that causes a person’s memory and thinking skills to degrade over time. This can lead to memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behavior; eventually, Alzheimer’s patients may be unable to carry out simple tasks.

How is Oral Health Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease?

You’re probably aware that bacteria in your mouth can cause tooth decay; they can also infect your gums. One key bacteria that’s commonly found in such infections is P. gingivalis. Several studies have found that in many patients with Alzheimer’s, P gingivalis has been found in the brain tissue; this is thought to be a result of bacteria entering the blood vessels in the gums. In addition to directly causing damage, this may also lead to an immune response that can inadvertently kill neurons as a side effect.

It’s important to realize that despite the links, oral health is not proven to be a direct cause of Alzheimer’s. The relationship could go the other way as well; the neural disorder could render the body more susceptible to infection in general. With that said, it has been found that a healthy mouth is often connected to good health overall.

How Can I Avoid Oral Health Problems?

Preventive treatment is usually the key to avoiding the cavities and gum disease that are often the result of plaque buildup; stopping these issues before they start is often the key to avoiding the long-term problems they cause.

Naturally, good oral hygiene is important for a healthy mouth; be sure to brush twice a day and floss once, and be careful of consuming too many sugary foods and beverages. You should also have dental checkups twice a year. Preventive dentistry in Arcadia involves thorough cleanings that can remove tartar as well as plaque in areas that haven’t been brushed well; furthermore, regular checkups make it more likely that your dentist will identify signs of decay and gum infection before too much damage is done, making treatment easier.

Be wary of unusual symptoms in your mouth. A toothache could be a result of tooth decay, or bleeding gums could signal an infection. Make an appointment if you have any concerns or doubts; not only could it save your teeth, but it might also be good for your brain.

About the Author

Dr. Kenneth J. Canzoneri started his practice to provide friendly service combined with the latest state-of-the-art techniques. He provides restorative, preventive, and cosmetic dental services all under one roof. He offers periodontal therapy for patients with gum disease and performs an oral cancer screening at every checkup. To schedule an appointment, visit his practice’s website or call (626) 446-1679.