How poor oral health could affect your thinking and memory

People view oral health as only an assessment of teeth and gum conditions, very often not taking it very seriously. This perception, however, fails to acknowledge that oral health is a fundamental part of overall body wellness. The oral cavity, together with all its components, serves as an essential system that maintains human health, enabling the body to function properly. Gum disease together with tooth loss can result in structural changes in the brain that produce cognitive decline and increase the likelihood of neurodegenerative disorders. The ability to maintain brain health throughout life depends on proper oral hygiene practices.

The mouth-brain link

Research shows that people with poor oral hygiene have 9% more white matter hyperintensities in the brain. The white matter is the part of the human brain that allows different parts of the brain to communicate. White matter hyperintensities refer to small damaged parts of the human brain that can lead to stroke and memory issues. The observed changes show stronger effects in individuals who possess a genetic tendency toward poor oral hygiene. Oral hygiene practices, therefore, impact human cognitive processes including thought patterns and memory functions.

Tooth loss has also been identified as an important cognitive health measure. Adults with complete tooth loss have been found to show significant reductions in cognitive scoring. These reductions have been observed in memory, orientation, arithmetic capacity, executive functions, and object recognition. The lack of natural teeth has been found to have implications for brain health through various pathways. The decrease in chewing ability results in two effects which include decreased brain sensory input and changes in eating patterns.

A recent study in the Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine reveals that oral health conditions such as periodontal disease, gingivitis, tooth decay and tooth loss all lead to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The strongest connection between dental problems and increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease exists with tooth loss.

The quality of daily oral hygiene habits might also affect cognitive outcomes. Individuals who demonstrate poor oral hygiene together with increased plaque and gum disease show an elevated risk of developing cognitive impairment. Chronic inflammation, which develops as a result of untreated gum disease, might spread beyond the mouth to create systemic effects which may impact cognitive health.

Bacteria can enter the bloodstream through oral infections, which can then lead to chronic body-wide inflammation. This body-wide inflammation may contribute to multiple health problems, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes complications as well as neurological disorders.

More than your teeth

Poor oral health, especially gum disease and tooth loss, can cause people to experience structural brain changes and cognitive decline, which can lead to a higher risk of developing dementia. The practice of maintaining good oral hygiene together with the routine of visiting dental health professionals on a regular basis is crucial to safeguard both oral health and cognitive health of individuals throughout their lives.

(Dr. Roma Haider is dental surgeon at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Bengaluru. romahaider8@gmail.com)