How the Health of Your Smile Might Affect Your Brain

Obviously, taking good care of your smile is essential if you want to prevent cavities and other oral health issues. But surprisingly enough, it could also make a difference for your brain health as well! Research has shown that poor oral health could be linked to issues involving the brain; if you want to protect your overall well-being, then it’s important to learn as much as possible about this connection.

How Can Dental Health Affect Your Brain Health?

According to research published in Neurology® (the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology), dental issues could potentially play a role in Alzheimer’s disease. The study found that those who suffered from gum disease and tooth loss experienced faster shrinkage in the part of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Currently, there is no known causal link between poor oral health and Alzheimer’s disease, but the evidence does show that there’s a possible association.

On top of that, researchers have found that people who have gum disease are more likely to suffer from strokes, which occur when the blood flow to the brain is cut off. This could be due to the bacteria responsible for gum disease. If these harmful organisms enter your bloodstream, they can potentially cause inflammation of the blood vessels leading to the brain. This can increase the chances of said blood vessels becoming blocked, thus restricting blood flow.

Protecting Your Brain by Taking Care of Your Smile

Good oral health does not guarantee that you’ll never suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or strokes. Nevertheless, taking care of your smile could ultimately end up having a positive impact on your brain health as well as your overall health.

To keep your teeth and gums in excellent condition, you should visit your dentist at least twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings. These visits are an excellent opportunity to get rid of plaque and tartar before they can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other oral health complications. Furthermore, your dentist can check your mouth for concerning symptoms that you may not notice on your own. This allows them to identify and address oral health issues while they’re still small and relatively easy to treat.

Of course, you should also make sure you’re giving your smile the care it deserves at home. To maintain good oral hygiene, you should brush at least two times a day and floss daily. You may also want to consider using mouthwash to fight the bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and gum infections.

In short, it’s important to make sure that you’re taking the right steps to protect the health of your teeth and gums. Both your smile and your brain may thank you in the long run!

About the Practice

Here at Peery & Woolwine Family Dentistry, our dentists have been helping local patients enjoy quality dental care since 1980. You can count on our team to help you stay calm and comfortable in the dental chair while we provide whatever treatments you need to protect or restore the health of your smile. Has it been more than six months since the last time you saw a dentist? You can schedule your next preventive appointment at our practice in Lynchburg by visiting our website or calling (434) 847-5331.