The Relationship Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Oral Health: What Does Science Reveal?

Oral health goes far beyond just a smile. Recent studies suggest that oral diseases such as periodontitis and endodontic infections may be related to the development of Alzheimer’s Disease.

But how are these conditions connected? Science suggests that chronic infections in the mouth can trigger inflammatory processes in the body, affecting the brain and contributing to neurodegenerative diseases.

In this article, we will explore this relationship and understand why maintaining good oral health can be an important strategy for preventing diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and the leading cause of dementia in the elderly. It is characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain and the impairment of cognitive function, affecting memory, language, and behavior. Although there is no cure, research indicates that inflammatory factors may be linked to the development of the disease, including those originating from the mouth.

How Can Oral Health Influence Alzheimer’s?

Research suggests that oral diseases, such as periodontitis and endodontic infections, may be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s. But why does this happen? Several mechanisms are identified:

1. Spread of Bacteria to the Brain

Studies have identified the presence of the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis, associated with periodontitis, in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s. This infection can trigger an inflammatory response, accelerating disease progression.

2. Systemic Inflammation

Periodontitis and other chronic oral infections increase levels of inflammatory cytokines in the blood, such as IL-6 and TNF-α. These inflammatory markers are often found in patients with Alzheimer’s, suggesting that inflammation in the mouth can directly impact the central nervous system.

3. Autoimmune Reaction

Some oral bacteria can stimulate autoimmune reactions that affect the brain, exacerbating the degenerative process characteristic of Alzheimer’s.

Key Studies and Evidence

• A 10-year retrospective study in Taiwan showed that patients with chronic periodontitis had a 70% higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s;
• Microbiological research found DNA from Porphyromonas gingivalis in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s;
• Experimental models in mice have demonstrated that chronic oral infections can induce the deposition of beta-amyloid plaques, characteristic of Alzheimer’s.

How to Prevent and Reduce Risks?

Preventing periodontitis and oral infections is a simple yet powerful strategy to reduce systemic inflammation and, possibly, the risk of Alzheimer’s.

Tips for Good Oral Health:

• Brush your teeth properly at least three times a day;
• Use dental floss daily to remove plaque between the teeth;
• Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings;
• Avoid smoking, which increases the risk of periodontal diseases;
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for oral health.

Learn more with Clínica Débora Ayala

The connection between oral diseases and Alzheimer’s highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to health. Taking care of oral health is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also of preventing serious systemic diseases.

If you or a family member show signs of periodontal diseases, be sure to seek professional guidance.

Contact us and schedule your consultation at Clínica Débora Ayala and take care of your well-being completely!

Also Read

• Vitamin C: The Secret to Impeccable Oral and Overall Health
• Biosafety Protocols: How Dental Offices Protect Your Health

References

• Borsa L, Dubois M, Sacco G, Lupi L. Analysis of the link between periodontal diseases and Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(17):9312.
• Chen CK, Wu YT, Chang YC. Association between chronic periodontitis and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease: a retrospective, population-based, matched-cohort study. Neuroepidemiology. 2017;48(1):21-27.
• Dominy SS, Lynch C, Ermini F, Benedyk M, Marczyk A, Konradi A, et al. Porphyromonas gingivalis in Alzheimer’s disease brains: Evidence for disease causation and treatment with small-molecule inhibitors. Sci Adv. 2019;5(1):eaau3333.
• Ide M, Harris M, Stevens A, Sussams R, Hopkins V, Culliford D, et al. Periodontitis and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease. PLoS One. 2016;11(3):e0151081.
• Lin JW, Chang CH, Caffrey JL. Examining the association between oral health status and dementia: a nationwide nested case-controlled study. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2020;245(3):231-244.
• Niazi SA, Bakhsh A, Kahler WA. Association between endodontic infection, its treatment and systemic health: a narrative review. J Clin Med. 2022;11(15):4470.
• Ryder MI. Porphyromonas gingivalis and Alzheimer disease: recent findings and potential therapies. J Periodontol. 2020;91(Suppl 1):S45-S49.
• Tang Z, Cheng X, Su X, Wu L, Cai Q, Wu H. Treponema denticola induces Alzheimer-like tau hyperphosphorylation by activating hippocampal neuroinflammation in mice. J Dent Res. 2022;101(8):992-1001.
• Wu L, Su X, Tang Z, Jian L, Zhu H, Cheng X, Wu H. Treponema denticola induces neuronal apoptosis by promoting amyloid-β accumulation in mice. Pathogens. 2022;11(10):1150.