Increased risk of dementia due to periodontitis: Study – All you need to know about the link

New Delhi: Oral health can be linked to the body’s overall health and neglect of the same can lead to an unhealthy body. A recent study found the link between periodontitis and the risk of dementia. Periodontitis is a chronic gum disease that is caused due to the accumulation of bacteria in the gums and teeth. Some common symptoms of periodontitis include receding gums, bad breath, swelling, tooth loss, bleeding gums, and painful chewing.

Periodontitis and dementia – The link

According to a study published in PubMed Central called “Effect of periodontal treatment on preclinical Alzheimer’s disease-Results of a trial emulation approach”, it was found that gum diseases can cause an increment in the risk of developing dementia in individuals. The study was conducted at the University of Greifswald and was a part of SHIP (Study of Health in Pomerania / Life and Health in Western Pomerania), a long-term study on the influence of dental diseases on the general health of people has been underway since 1997. 

Dr Christian Schwahn from the Polyclinic for Dental Prosthetics, Geriatric Dentistry and Medical Materials Science and the co-author of the study said, “For the first time, the connection between the treatment of gum disease and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease in a quasi-experimental model of 177 patients treated periodontally in the Greifswald GANI-MED study (Greifswald Approach to Individualized Medicine) and 409 untreated participants from the SHIP study will be analyzed.”

The treatment of periodontitis carried out by a dentist specializing in gum disease showed a positive effect on the loss of brain matter, which can be assessed as moderate to severe.

Prof. Thomas Kocher, Director of the Polyclinic for Dental Conservation, Periodontology, Endodontology, Pediatric Dentistry and Preventive Dentistry, and co-author of the stud said, “These results are remarkable in that the periodontitis patients were younger than 60 years at the time of the MRI examination and the observation time between the dental treatment and the MRI examination was 7.3 years on average for the patients,”

“Our approach is clearly in the prevention and timely treatment of gum disease, which can be triggered by a large number of germs, in order to prevent such possible consequential damage in advance,” he added.

Prevention of periodontitis

Here are some ways in which periodontitis can be prevented:

1. Brush your teeth at least two times a day. However, avoid overbrushing As it can result in receding gums and sensitive teeth.
2. People often leave out flossing as a part of their brushing routine. Flossing is important as it can help prevent plaque build-up, cavities, redness, and swelling.
3. A toothbrush must be replaced every three months. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles which is not harsh on the gums as it can lead to its bleeding.
4. Refrain from chewing or smoking tobacco as it can lead to unhealthy teeth and even mouth cancer.
5. People often avoid dentist appointment until there is something visibly wrong with their dental health. This must not be done and visits to a dentist for regular dental checkups and cleaning must be practised.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.