November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and LevelUp Kids wants to do our part to make sure you know the risk factors your oral health could play in an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Believe it or not, there have been links between bad oral health and your chances of getting Alzheimer’s in the future.
If we can start healthy habits with our children when they’re young, we can help to prevent bad habits as they get older. Preventing bad dental care that may lead to cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease can ensure you maintain your oral health and reap the benefits of good oral hygiene for many years.
What Is Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, occurs when you experience extreme inflammation or infection of the gums or surrounding bone structure. As a result, your gums will pull away from your teeth, allowing them to loosen and even fall out in extreme cases.
If bacteria stay on your teeth for too long, they can form plaque on the tooth’s surface. Plaque left behind eventually hardens into tartar, a tough substance that only a dental professional can remove. Tartar will build up around your gum line, and if left untreated, it can eventually lead to gum disease.
While gum disease is mostly seen in adults, early signs in younger generations can be treated to prevent the disease from progressing. Gingivitis is an early sign of gum disease where your gums become red, swollen, and may even bleed. Fortunately, gingivitis is treatable, and early signs of periodontal disease can be easily reversed with proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.
There are many warning signs of gum disease that you should be aware of. These include:
Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that won’t go away
Red, swollen, and tender gums that can bleed
Pain when chewing
Loose or decaying teeth
Sensitive teeth
Receding gums or gum lines
Any change in how your teeth fit together when you bite down
Any change in how dentures may fit
Gum disease and tooth decay are huge threats to your dental health, and they can have long-term consequences if not treated early.
How Gum Disease Is Connected to Alzheimer’s
Many long-term consequences are associated with gum disease, including bone damage, receding gums, and tooth loss. It can also influence your overall health; periodontal disease has been linked to various other conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and arthritis.
Recent studies have indicated that there is also a link between the bacteria causing periodontal disease and bacteria that are found in brain tissue in Alzheimer's patients. Porphyromonas gingivalis is the main species of bacteria that cause gingivitis, and scientists have found that it can move from the mouth to the brain.
If you have an infection in your mouth, such as one resulting from gum disease, the bacteria can travel through the bloodstream to other areas of the body. Once the bacteria reach the brain, they release enzymes called gingipains. Gingipains destroy nerve cells, leading to memory loss and eventually varying forms of dementia, like Alzheimer’s.
Although Alzheimer’s disease is linked to several other conditions and not just gum disease, it’s important to be aware of any risk factors that may affect your overall health as you get older. If we teach our children how to properly care for their teeth now, we can decrease the risk of gum disease in the future.
Decreasing Your Risk of Gum Disease
To decrease your risk of gum disease, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene daily. You should brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste two to three times a day for at least two minutes each. Flossing is also essential as it can remove stubborn bacteria between your teeth and near your gum line, preventing the buildup of tartar.
Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. Early signs of gum disease, like gingivitis, can be controlled and treated with proper oral care and regular dental visits. More severe forms of periodontal disease may also be treated successfully, but more extensive treatment may be necessary. This could include deep teeth cleanings, medications, or even corrective surgery.
If you’re experiencing any pain, discomfort, or early warning signs of gum disease, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible.
Getting Free Dental Care at LevelUp Kids
At LevelUp Kids, we offer free dental care and many other services to children of low-income families. If you’re in the Kansas City area and worried about your child’s dental habits, we can provide guidance on proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Contact us today to learn more, or visit our website to see if you qualify for free dental care.