It’s long been known that periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease and stroke. But relatively new research also shows a conclusive link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s. The solution, says Dr. Kirk Petersen, DMD, who runs Hemet West Dental Office in Hemet, California, is to get your teeth and gums checked over by a dentist as soon as possible…
In a study that was carried out in the United Kingdom, 100 sets of twins were studied, where one had Alzheimer’s and the other one didn’t. And they found that if the person had moderate to severe gum disease prior to age 35, he had a five times greater chance of getting Alzheimer’s.
They are not really sure why yet but they expect it’s probably because of the chronic inflammation and the chemicals that the body produces when it is in a state of chronic inflammation. Studies have since suggested that an “inflammatory burden” on the body might spark our genetic inclination to develop Alzheimer’s. So if the disease runs in your family, this could be a way to stave it off.
Avoiding Gum Disease
The best way to avoid having gum disease is simple. The first thing is to go and see a dentist and find out if you have it, because the problem with gum disease is that it often is symptom-free. It is kind of like heart disease in that way.
If you do have gum disease, then it is important to have it treated and then follow the recommendations of the dentist and the hygienist as far as home care, brushing and flossing.
Heart Disease and Stroke
Gum disease is not only linked to Alzheimer’s. It has already been linked to stroke and heart disease as well, the latter being the leading cause of death in both genders. Coronary heart disease happens when the hearts’ arteries become blocked or narrowed due to fatty deposits of plaque in the lining of the blood vessels. Advanced periodontal disease, or gum disease, has been linked as bacteria from diseased gums can gain entry into the circulation.
Interestingly, there is also evidence that gum disease can increase a woman’s risk of having a premature or low-birth rate baby, and can cause bronchitis, pneumonia and other pulmonary infections. Gum disease can even cause osteoporosis in the jaw, so get those gums looked at by a dentist.
Get Enough Vitamin D
It sounds fairly simplistic, but the simple way to avoid a host of diseases is to brush and floss regularly, and have regular dental check-ups. Taking the right care of your teeth and gums in youth and middle age can prevent a lot of problems when you are older.
It’s also important to note that getting enough vitamin D has also been shown to lower inflammatory markers in critically ill patients, so make sure you get enough (safe) sun exposure as well, as the sun naturally stimulates production of vitamin D in the human body.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
