Dementia and Dental Health
As if a healthy smile isn’t enough to motivate you to brush twice daily, here is a more serious reason. A recent University of California study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that people who regularly brush their teeth and keep their gums healthy have a lower risk of developing dementia later in life. Researchers followed nearly 5,500 elderly people over an 18-year period and found that those who reported brushing their teeth less than once a day were up to 65% more likely to develop dementia than those who brushed daily. The study found that gum disease-related bacteria can contribute to health problems such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. In fact, some studies have found that people who have Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, have more gum disease-related bacteria than those who don’t have the disease, according to the study’s author, Annlia Paganini-Hill. So don’t neglect your oral health now, it may save you from more complicated health problems later. Take time to:
•Brush and floss daily. •See a dentist regularly. You can tackle dental problems early – before they get too serious. •Use toothpaste with fluoride. •Don’t smoke – it increases your risk for gum disease and tooth loss. •Eat a healthy diet, drink fluoridated water and limit sugary and starchy snacks.What do you do to keep your teeth healthy?