Update for our patients and community » LEARN MORE
At Granbury Dental Center, we believe knowledge is power. That’s why we’re dedicated to life-long learning, continuing education, and teaching our patients, community members, and other dental and healthcare professionals about the latest advancements in dentistry. From the latest research to new treatment methods and technologies, to basic knowledge of all things oral health, you’ll find everything you need to know right here on our blog. Follow along to keep your mouth, body, and brain sharp and healthy!
Did you know that unhealthy gums might put your brain at risk?
Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia, which harms your memory, ability to think, and can cause changes in your personality. It’s very common and usually affects people aged 60 and over. And, Alzheimer’s might be significantly more likely to happen if your mouth and gums aren’t healthy.
A study at the New York University College of Dentistry found, “long-term evidence that periodontal (gum) disease may increase the risk of cognitive dysfunction associated with Alzheimer’s.”
Gum disease is a case of inflammation in your mouth. Inflammation is a natural and appropriate response in your body to fight invaders and infection. Gum disease and oral inflammation can be a minor problem or become very serious. But chronic inflammation causes a variety of health concerns that can affect everything from your oral health to your brain. Unfortunately, inflammation problems are increasingly common in the US.
The study at NYU found that gum inflammation might actually contribute to brain inflammation, which leads to neurodegeneration (the breakdown and decline in the health of brain cells and neurons) and Alzheimer’s. This was the case both for people in good health and people with existing cognitive impairment. Sometimes studies only show that two conditions are correlated, but the researchers at NYU believe gum disease is actually one of the causes of Alzheimer’s.
In the NYU study, people with Alzheimer’s had significantly more antibodies and inflammatory molecules in their blood if they had gum disease.
In addition, The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease reported that a certain kind of oral bacteria could travel through your bloodstream and cause harm in other parts of your body, including the brain. Some oral bacteria are good and necessary. But keeping your mouth clean and healthy is the foundation for oral health and to prevent gum disease.
Signs of gum disease include:
If this is what inflamed gums look like, can you imagine if a brain was inflamed?
If you could maintain a few simple habits that supported your oral wellness and brain health, why wouldn’t you? The benefits of daily oral hygiene are both immediate and long-term. You can make it a “mental habit.”
The most important and basic routines for oral wellness and overall health are:
If you have more questions about the oral health link to Alzheimer’s, or you want to become a part of a dental family, come see Dr. Buske in Granbury. Make an appointment at Granbury Dental Center today!
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Our Location
3412 East Hwy 377
Granbury, TX 76049
Proudly Serving Texas
Since 1982
Office Hours
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TUE 8AM - 5PM
WED 8AM - 6PM
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Please call us at (817) 573-3761 or fill out the form below to request an appointment.