Can Looking After Your Gums Help Protect Your Brain?
Most of us know that brushing our teeth is the best way to avoid fillings and to help keep our breath fresh. We don’t usually associate it with anything more serious than that.
However, in recent years there has been a significant shift in how we understand oral health. Teeth and gums are no longer spoken about in isolation. Dentists are now beginning to look at the mouth as part of a much wider system, because what happens in your gums does not stay there.
These conversations are now beginning to reach a far wider audience too. We noticed a recent feature in The Telegraph newspaper that explored whether something as simple as brushing your teeth could play a role in protecting our long-term health - including reducing the risk of major conditions such as dementia and heart disease.
Why Gum Disease Is So Common
Most cases will usually start as gingivitis, which is simply an inflammation of the gums. You will likely notice a little bleeding when you brush and your gums may feel tender. In most cases there is no pain at all, and this makes it easy to ignore.
As time passes though, plaque can begin to harden and if not properly removed it becomes tartar. The tartar will sit below the gumline and create the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Once the condition reaches that stage it can progress into periodontitis and that is where things become far more serious.
The gums will begin to pull away from the teeth and the supporting bone starts to break down. Teeth may begin to feel loose and in advanced cases, can be lost altogether.
You’d be surprised how common this actually is. A large proportion of adults in the UK will experience gum disease to varying extents across their lifetime.
The Link Between Gum Health and the Brain
One of the most interesting aspects of recent research is a potential connection between gum disease and dementia, and it all links back to bacteria.
Research has found that certain bacteria that we often see associated with gum disease have been found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. These bacteria can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gum tissue and once they circulate around the body, can trigger an immune response. That response leads to inflammation.
It is believed that, over time, chronic inflammation can go on to play a role in damage to brain cells. Some researchers also believe that enzymes produced by these bacteria could also contribute to the breakdown of nerve tissue.
Whilst there is still much work to be done before we can fully understand the extent of this relationship, the direction of travel is clear - our oral health appears to be more closely connected to our cognitive health than we previously thought.
What This Means for Everyday Oral Care
We know that this research might sound quite overwhelming but, in reality, the message is quite simple: Prevention matters.
The Telegraph article emphasised a message that we have been sharing with our patients for many years. Small daily habits can make a big difference over the long term. Brushing thoroughly is essential and it’s not just about the frequency of your brushing; your technique is equally important. Cleaning along the gumline is where it really counts.
Interdental cleaning is equally important. Your toothbrush alone cannot reach into the spaces between your teeth and this is where plaque usually builds up first.
We also cannot stress enough the importance that regular dental visits make. Gum disease often develops without any pain so, by the time the symptoms become more noticeable, it is usually far more advanced. Catching it early can change the outcome.
A Condition That Can Be Managed
One thing that should reassure all patients is that gum disease can be treated. In its earliest stages, it is often reversible and even if it has progressed further, it can still be stabilised. With the right care, patients can protect their teeth and improve the overall health of their gums.
In some cases, more advanced treatments can be required. Deep cleaning may be required to remove bacteria from beneath the gumline and ongoing maintenance can become part of the process.
What matters most though is taking action.
If You Are Concerned About Your Gum Health
Have you noticed bleeding when brushing, tenderness, or any looseness in your teeth? If so, it’s worth having it checked. Gum disease rarely improves on its own and the earlier it is addressed, the easier it is to manage.
At Norfolk Dental Specialists, we take a preventative approach wherever possible. That means identifying the signs early and helping our patients to understand how best to maintain their oral health over the long term.
If you have any concerns, we are always happy to talk things through.