A growing number of scientific studies are showing an association of poor oral health as a risk factor for dementia.
Having gum disease (periodontal disease), in particular, has been shown to increase risk. Gum disease is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily, bad breath, and, when untreated, teeth can become loose and fall out. Gum disease is diagnosed by your dental provider and requires treatment.
Tooth loss has been found in some studies to be associated with a higher risk of dementia.
There are things you can do today to help improve your oral health and decrease your risk for dementia and other chronic diseases.
1) Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste. This might seem obvious but it is so important to care for your teeth every day. Having a daily routine of oral hygiene practices is one of the best ways to prevent dental problems. Don’t forget to floss once daily and see your dental provider regularly.
2) Include lots of fruits, vegetables, and fish in your diet. Adding more fish (a goal of three times a week) and decreasing red meat in has been shown to be helpful for brain health. Eating well has many benefits, especially as a way to maintain a healthy weight. Being at a healthy weight helps decrease your risk of other chronic diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.
3) Avoid tobacco. Don’t start smoking or vaping, and if you currently use tobacco, it's best to quit. If you need help quitting, tobacco-cessation resources like How To Quit Smoking from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are available. Find resources from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services here.
4) Decrease alcohol intake. Excessive alcohol use is associated with multiple chronic conditions and increases the risk of falls and head injuries. Repeated head injuries can worsen the risk of dementia.
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This information in this post is for general educational purposes only and does not warrant or represent any information as related to health as specifically appropriate for you. It is not intended to be medical advice or replace the relationship that you have with your health care providers. You should always seek medical advice on any diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health care provider. The information is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied.
