{"id":331,"date":"2021-06-12T11:56:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-12T11:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.longmontcompletedentistry.com\/blog\/?p=331"},"modified":"2021-07-22T12:00:51","modified_gmt":"2021-07-22T12:00:51","slug":"dangerous-alzheimers-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.longmontcompletedentistry.com\/blog\/2021\/06\/12\/dangerous-alzheimers-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Poor Gum Health and Alzheimer\u2019s Disease Connected?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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One of the victories of modern medicine is that people are living longer than ever before in history. Unfortunately, with an older population, Alzheimer\u2019s disease diagnoses are on the rise. Is this purely age related, or is there another factor at play? Given that June is Alzheimer\u2019s and Brain Awareness Month, this is the perfect time to learn about the hidden connection between gum disease and the increase in Alzheimer\u2019s cases, and find out what you can do to improve your gum health<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Gum Disease?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Every time you eat or drink, residue is left behind. Quickly, oral bacteria shuttle to the area to accumulate and feed on the leftovers. This soon leads to plaque formation, which can cause tooth and gum decay over time. If ignored, plaque can eventually sink beneath the gum line to trigger inflammation and infection (the first stage of gum disease).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Statistics show that well over half the adult population in America have some form of gum disease. While the symptoms can range from gum bleeding and unpleasant breath to possible tooth loss, they aren\u2019t limited to the mouth. Over time, gum disease can impact other areas of your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Connection Between Gum and Alzheimer\u2019s Diseases<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Over time, the oral plaque buildup associated with gum disease can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, including the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the blood-brain barrier does the job of blocking most microbes from entering the brain, a type of oral bacteria called P. gingivitis has demonstrated the ability to permeate the protective barrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The dental plaque that enters the brain can eventually lead to the development of Alzheimer\u2019s disease, which is a neuro-degenerative condition that deteriorates the limbic system (where long-term memories are stored).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prevention Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, there are ways to effectively treat gum disease before it becomes a more life-threatening issue. However, the most formidable means of protection is prevention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some ways to promote excellent gum health:<\/p>\n\n\n\n