Who would think there's a relationship between memory loss and your oral hygiene? It's just not obvious.
But a study this year published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry indicates it's true. You can read the (somewhat technical) details in the original article here.
The Facts. Giving cognitive tests to some 2,355 older (> 60 years old) adults, the researchers found that those with gingivitis [prononunced JIN-JA-V-EYE-TIS, a medical term describing various forms of gum disease) showed poor delayed verbal recall and poor basic arithmetic skills compared to those with good gum health. Simply put, the more gum disease present, the more these seniors couldn't recall well.
Strange but true.
Oh - and there's more. Gum health and overall oral health has also been shown to be linked to pancreatic cancer. (As Stephen Colbert might say, "We're not making this up as we go, Nation.")
In brief, a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, based on reviewing data from over 51,000 men, found that men with a history of periodontal (gum) disease had a 64 per cent increased risk of pancreatic cancer than men with no such history. Increased severity of periodontitis, for example with recent tooth loss, had the greatest risk.
Exactly how our "mouth health" (teeth & gums) interacts with our overall health, including our brain function, is not exactly understood. But at some very common sense level, we all realise that the gums and our teeth, much like our skin, eyes and nose, are portals for possible infection to enter our bodies. The body is a, after all, a wholly connected system. A number of medical folks besides myself are concluding: It seems poor oral health can lead to infections that travel into your bloodstream and affect other parts of your body.
Eureka! Your Teeth Are Part of Your Body!
Look-in-Your-Mouth-Aphobia. It's strange that so many people don't look inside their own mouths more. Maybe it's because much of the true state of your gums and teeth is "hidden" behind lips and smiles. How many of you know someone who lost a tooth and developed a new artful smile to disguise that?
People are just kinda funny about thier teeth compared to other parts of their bodies. Gums bleeding? Why many people just shine it on and figure it will stop. Now if their hands were bleeding - they'd drive right to the hospital emergency room!
Now now one is trying to scare people here. There's no reason to be scared, especially when there's a few relatively simply things you can do to prevent any problems.
What Can I Do to Avoid Gum Disease and These Related Health Problems?
1. Just like Mom always said, Brush your teeth regularly. Like these guys.
Very inspiring, eh? Now you can't see it in this in the video -- but these guys are using a soft or very-soft bristle tooth brush. Very smart. (Don't know which kinds of toothbrushes are soft? We have some great Nimbus brushes in the office to show you.)
2. Floss regularly!
The plain fact is that a toothbrush just can't get into those snarky little places between your teeth and gumline. And, typically, one-third of your tooth surface is down there!
Not sure you're flossing right? Our super-ninja hygenist, Sharon, will be glad to show you how to tame plaque, make it go wimper off to a corner.
3. Really want to make sure you keep your teeth & healthy gums?
(Keeping you excellent memory is a side bonus. ;-))
Visit your friendly dentist.
Hey, that's me!
See you (and your teeth and gums) at our next appointment!