{"id":74,"date":"2019-02-05T19:51:41","date_gmt":"2019-02-05T19:51:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smileyfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=74"},"modified":"2019-03-13T19:54:22","modified_gmt":"2019-03-13T19:54:22","slug":"dentist-in-waverly-explains-how-gum-disease-may-be-a-factor-in-alzheimers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smileyfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/dentist-in-waverly-explains-how-gum-disease-may-be-a-factor-in-alzheimers\/","title":{"rendered":"Dentist In Waverly Explains How Gum Disease May Be a Factor in Alzheimer\u2019s"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Dementia is now the 5th<\/sup> leading cause of death\nworldwide, with Alzheimer\u2019s comprising 70% of all cases. Unfortunately, this\ndisease has been poorly understood, which has greatly undermined treatment and\nprevention efforts. However, a surprising link has been found that offers a new\nperspective on this devastating disease. It\u2019s thought that gum disease (also\ncalled periodontal disease) could play a big role in the development of\nAlzheimer\u2019s, which makes good oral health more important than ever. In this\nblog, you\u2019ll learn more about the research and how regular care from a dentist\nin Waverly can improve your gums and<\/em>\npotentially reduce your risk of Alzheimer\u2019s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Is Gum Disease Linked To Alzheimer\u2019s?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A recent article from <\/a>New Scientist<\/a><\/em> explores the recently found evidence that gum disease may contribute to Alzheimer\u2019s. For many years doctors thought it was caused by amyloid plaques in the brain, but now it\u2019s thought that these plaques are only a symptom, not a cause. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, doctors think these plaques form in the brain to\nprotect it from infection by Porphyromonas gingivalis  (or P. gingivalis), the same bacteria that\ncauses gum disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scientists aren\u2019t exactly sure of the pathway from mouth to\nbrain, however, they know that plaque and tartar include large amounts of P.\ngingivalis bacteria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When this bacteria collects under the gumline, it not only\ncauses inflammation of the gums, but also enters the bloodstream and travels throughout\nthe entire body. Once in the brain, it may lead to infection and inflammation\nthere as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies are ongoing, but doctors hope this will help them develop better ways of preventing and treating Alzheimer\u2019s disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, an estimated 65 million Americans have some\nform of gum disease, which has not only been linked to Alzheimer\u2019s, but also heart\ndisease, stroke, pregnancy complications, and even some cancers. Not to mention\nthat it\u2019s also the leading cause of tooth loss! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clearly, it\u2019s well worth it to keep your gums as healthy as\npossible. Here are some easy ways to do that: <\/p>\n\n\n\n