Cutting-edge research and healthcare advances have beaten back many relentless assassins in recent years, including heart disease and cancer. There is a long list of treatments that share credit. The major ones can be identified as medicines, surgery, genetic therapies, radiation, and healthy living, etcetera.
While the mortality rates of the two diseases, heart disease and cancer, the top causes of death in the UK, fell significantlyfell significantly in the past few years, the death rates of Alzheimer’s have gone up. There are currently estimated to be 982,000 people living with dementia in the UK, and this is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040. It affects around one in 14 people over the age of 65 and one in every six people over the age of 80. Incurable and degenerative, it is unforgiving in its reach. With monotonous cruelty, it affects 1 in 13 people who are under the age of 65under the age of 65, making them suffer from what’s called early- or young-onset Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s–A disease we associate with the image of a withered person with a scrambled mind and memories sealed away. A disease that brings about a cruel decline and gradually steals one’s mastery of everyday life and, eventually, the sense of self. A disease that takes away aspirations for the future. It is, no doubt, a life-changing diagnosis.
Occasional memory lapses are normal and can be chalked up to the infirmities of age. The memory problems that characterise warning signs of Alzheimer’s, however, are usually more frequent, and they usually interfere with safe or competent daily functioning—forgetting to turn off the stove, leaving behind your car or house keys, and forgetting important appointments. Beyond that, there is observed a decline in other cognitive abilities like planning a schedule, following multistep directions and carrying out familiar logistical tasks like balancing a chequebook or cooking a meal, making you feel like your mind is a stalled engine that wouldn’t turn over. It can also involve mood changes, frustration, social withdrawal, confusion, and can even affect or slow down your gait.
Although the cause of Alzheimer’s is largely unknown, there do appear to be quite a few risk factors, including old age, heart and vascular problems like stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Depression has also been associated with an increased risk of the disease.
Okay, what does that have to do with my teeth?
While it’s not too hard to understand that living with Alzheimer’s disease and suffering from dementia may keep one from taking good care of oral health, there are chances you might not be aware that the latter could actually be a possible contributing factor to the debilitating brain disease.
Although scientists are still figuring out precisely how the health of our mouths and minds meld, they have zeroed in on two potential culprits that might explain how gum disease could cause problems in the brain: bacteria and inflammation.
What is the Connection Between Oral Health and Your Brain?

via Science Direct
Your mouth is home to over 6 billion bacteria and 700 various species, including those that can cause gum disease. Although in perfect circumstances, they reside peacefully and in harmony, they can certainly make all hell break loose if these pathogens go rogue–in the case of an imbalance between the good and the bad ones.
When does that happen?
Microbial imbalance in your oral microenvironment happens when you don’t care about your oral hygiene. It allows the harmful bacteria to multiply, grow, and eventually dominate the microflora of your mouth.
This increases your risk of oral health problemsrisk of oral health problems, especially periodontitis, which, in turn, might increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s, according to some researchers. A 2024 Science Direct research study2024 Science Direct research study found that mild to moderate periodontitis had a higher risk of the accumulation of the dangerous amyloid beta protein–the hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease– in your brain.
Why do the researchers suspect this?
They have found that a bacteria called Porphyromonas gingivalis—a fancy name for a sneaky gum troublemaker—might also gatecrash your brain and cause trouble there. This particular strain of bacteria has been identified in the brains of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease in a study that was published in Science AdvancesScience Advances.
What do they do to your brain?
Let’s get right to it.
These mouth germs are restless wanderers and freely make their way into your brain through the easiest mode of transport inside your body: the bloodstream. They, then, sneak past the blood-brain barrier, a collection of cells that is tasked with guarding the brain.
These bacteria initiate events that send the brain functioning tailspinning into chaos. Once they’re in, they release enzymes, called gingipains, that damage and ultimately kill nerve cells (neurons). As brain cells continue to die over time and the inflammation spreads through the brain, you slowly start to lose touch with reality, and the other daunting symptoms like confusion, memory loss, and disorientation start to set in.
In a 2019 study study, researchers looked for evidence of this process inside human brains. They examined the brains of 53 deceased people who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and found high levels of gingipain in almost all of them.
You’re probably wondering…
Is There More Evidence?
While we’re no Sherlock Holmes trying to solve a case, we have gathered quite a bit of evidence for you to underscore the importance of the connection between your oral health condition and brain health.
We’ll share some of it with you below.
One of the earliest studies to explore the association between gum disease, tooth loss, and Alzheimer’s disease focused on a cohort of ageing nuns who were part of a larger study on ageing. Researchers tracked 144 of the nuns and found that those with the fewest number of teeth suffered a risk of dementia up to 6.4 times higher than those who still had a good number of teeth present.
Other studies have also found that a higher incidence of tooth loss was associated with decreased brain function. A small 2016 studysmall 2016 study of 60 patients with mild to moderate dementia found that gum disease was linked with a sixfold increase in cognitive decline.
In another study carried out in 2017, almost 28,000 Taiwanese patients reported that having chronic gum disease, or chronic periodontitis as the dentist folk call it, for 10 or more years was linked to a 1.7 times increase in the risk for Alzheimer’s diseaserisk for Alzheimer’s disease.
A 2022 meta-analysis2022 meta-analysis of 47 longitudinal studies found there to be an association between tooth loss and poor oral health and both cognitive decline and dementia.
Although an association between poor oral health and dementia is clear, there are many confounding factors that prevent scientists from drawing definitive conclusions of causation.
It is best explained as a bidirectional relationship. The higher rate of dental problems in people with dementia may be a symptom rather than a reason for cognitive decline. People with memory loss have a difficult time maintaining their oral health and are more prone to developing gum disease developing gum disease.
Why Pay Heed to This Association?
To understand why this is such a pressing matter, let’s first lay out the facts.
About half the population of the UK suffers from chronic periodontitis. To put that into perspective, that’s roughly 11.2% of the world population11.2% of the world population. Although the exact causation hasn’t yet been proven, there is enough evidence to suspect an association between your teeth and your brain health.
If this link is correct, its population impact could be drastic.
Studies done in 20152015, 20182018, 20192019, and 20202020 suggest that being older than 50 years of age with cognitive impairment or dementia predisposes you to a variety of oral health problems, including:
- Tooth decay
- Mucosal infections
- Reduced salivary flowReduced salivary flow
- Tooth loss
Being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s makes the oral health picture worse, and there’s plenty of research available to concede with that. In a 2018 PubMed2018 PubMed study, high levels of bone loss were detected in Alzheimer’s patients, a sign indicative of the presence of severe gum disease or chronic periodontitis.
The question that arises is–When you could possibly prevent a disease like Alzheimer’s, why wouldn’t you?
What Is It That You Can Do To Prevent This Or Decrease the Risk?
We want to help you avoid the situation where you present to your dentist with a serious problem that makes them throw their hands up in the air and say, ‘Told you to brush twice a day!’
While you can’t completely prevent bacteria from moving around your body from one part to the other, as it is a natural process, you can certainly control the number that gets into the bloodstream.
How?
If you were thinking good oral care, you’re absolutely right. Adopting a holistic approach to oral health–even better.
A holistic approach to oral health focuses on preventive care, lifestyle changes, and natural interventions that support overall well-being while minimising risk factors for Alzheimer’s.
Holistic Strategies for Better Oral and Cognitive Health
‘Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.’ – Jim Rohn.
We’ve listed below some practices that you can incorporate into your routine to give your best shot at preventing any kind of dental problems from arising.
- Prioritise gum health with proper oral hygiene
As research suggests that people with periodontitis have higher levels of amyloid-beta plaques present in their brains, maintaining healthy gums as a preventative measure would be a reasonably good place to start.
Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing to remove the bits of food that are left stuck between the teeth can help prevent gum disease.
- Take an anti-inflammatory and fibre-rich diet
A Mediterranean-style diet, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and polyphenols, has been linked to lower risks of both Alzheimer’s and gum disease. Foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts, and fatty fish help reduce inflammation in the body, supporting both brain and oral health.
In a Veterans Affairs study of 625 men, it was found that eating high-fibre foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, reduced the progression of gum disease. Fibre-rich foods boost the production of saliva in the mouth. Saliva is an essential component of your oral defence system and helps protect your teeth and gums from decay. It does this by washing away the food particles and debris stuck to the teeth and gums and offsets the harmful acids produced by the harmful bacteria in your mouth.
- Support a healthy gut microbiome
The gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in cognitive function, and emerging research suggests that an imbalance in gut bacteria can contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.
Probiotic-rich foods such as yoghurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables may help regulate gut bacteria, which in turn benefits oral and brain health.
- Reduce stress through mindfulness and meditation
Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and increase inflammation, making both the brain and gums more vulnerable to disease.
Mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga have been scientifically shown to lower cortisol levels and improve overall health, including reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s.
- Stay physically active
Regular exercise boosts circulation, reduces inflammation, and supports both brain and oral health. Physical activity has been proven to enhance cognitive function and reduce Alzheimer’s risk while also improving gum health by promoting better blood flow to the tissues. - Get enough sleep for optimum cognitive and oral health
Poor sleep has been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s, as sleep happens to be essential for clearing toxins from the brain.
Additionally, sleep disorders like sleep apnea can contribute to dry mouth and gum disease, which may worsen oral health. Establishing a good sleep routine that includes maintaining a regular bedtime, limiting screen exposure, and managing stress can benefit both oral and brain health.
- Try to limit sugar and processed foods
A diet high in sugar and processed foods promotes inflammation and fuels harmful bacteria in the mouth, increasing the risk of gum disease and cognitive decline.
Reducing sugar intake and opting for whole, nutrient-dense foods can support a healthier brain and gums.
Although the connection between oral bacteria, inflammation, and Alzheimer’s is still being explored, one thing is certain: a proactive, whole-body approach to health is your best defence against both gum disease and neurodegeneration.
Dental Treatments That Can Help If You Have Alzheimer’s
Living with Alzheimer’s disease, you may face unique oral health challenges, including difficulty maintaining oral hygiene, risk of gum disease, dry mouth, and difficulty tolerating dental procedures.
A compassionate, preventive, and minimally invasive approach can really help to ensure your comfort and well-being.
Here are some dental treatments that can help:
Frequent professional cleanings
With Alzheimer’s, oral care can often become a struggle. In time, this can lead to the buildup of food particles and bacteria and encourage gum disease.
More frequent professional cleanings (every 3–4 months) can help keep infections at bay and keep your mouth healthy.
Fluoride treatments and dental sealants
Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities, which are fairly common with dry mouth (a side effect of many Alzheimer’s medications).
Dental sealants provide a protective barrier on the teeth to reduce the risk of decay.
Moisturising treatments for dry mouth
Alzheimer’s medications can reduce saliva production in your mouth, increasing your risk of cavities and gum disease and causing oral discomfort.
Dentists may recommend artificial saliva, fluoride rinses, and sugar-free lozenges to help you maintain sufficient moisture in your mouth.
Simple, non-invasive restorations
Complex dental work may be difficult for you to tolerate with the neurodegenerative disease, so non-invasive solutions like silver diamine fluoride (SDF) can help stop cavities without the need to drill.
If fillings are needed, tooth-coloured composite fillings are used for durability and aesthetics.
Soft dentures or Implant-Supported dentures
Traditional dentures can be challenging for you to manage. Soft dentures are more comfortable and less likely to cause sores.
If feasible in earlier stages, implant-supported dentures provide a stable, long-term solution that reduces discomfort and maintenance needs.
Gentle extractions for non-restorable teeth
If a tooth is severely decayed or causing pain, it’s best to get rid of it. A simple extraction may be the best option to prevent infection and discomfort.
Minimally invasive techniques almost always guarantee a quick recovery and cause minimal stress.
Desensitisation appointments for anxiety management
With Alzheimer’s, you may be more prone to experience anxiety or confusion during dental visits. There’s no reason for you to worry, as we’re here to help.
At Zental, an award-winning dental practice in London and Milton Keynes, we’ll make sure to cater to your anxiety and provide dental treatment in a way that’s most comfortable for you. Gradual exposure to the dental environment and sedationsedation are usually the best ways to help build comfort and trust.
Providing customised oral hygiene plans to caregivers
Caregivers play a vital role in maintaining the oral health of patients with Alzheimer’s, so dentists can provide them with tailored instructions and recommend easy-to-use tools (e.g., electric toothbrushes, water flossers).
Training caregivers in proper brushing and flossing techniques helps prevent complications.
Dental care for Alzheimer’s patients should always focus on comfort. Since cognitive decline makes self-care much more difficult, early intervention and routine maintenance can prevent serious dental issues.
At ZentalZental, dental experts agree that a gentle holistic approach can help improve the quality of life for patients while reducing the risk of infections and minimising discomfort. To find out more about how holistic dental experts can help you take better care of your teeth and gums, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The Takeaway
With there already being so many factors that can increase our risk of dementia of any kind, we must at least try to manage one that’s clearly visible and avoidable: poor oral health. Poor oral health increases the chances of gum disease and, in the worst cases, causes tooth loss.
If you can be persuaded to develop the habit of brushing and flossing your teeth every day, you may be one step closer to protecting your brains. While one preventive measure cannot predict for certain that you’ll never get the disease, it will most definitely reduce the risk. And we owe that much to our health, don’t we? As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’
Book a consultation with Zental today to get expert dental advice and quality holistic care to tend to all your oral needs