Many individuals assume that dental health is limited to brushing and flossing, but our oral health is actually much more than that. You might be surprised to know that oral health is directly linked to the health of our brains. In fact, when the brains of deceased individuals who died with Alzheimer’s disease were studied, the findings revealed that many of them had P. gingivalis bacteria present in the brain. These findings demonstrate the direct link between our mouths and the rest of our bodies.

This bacterium plays a significant role in the inflammatory disease that leads to gum disease, the deterioration of supportive tissue around the tooth as well as tooth loss. In addition to causing oral disease, P. gingivalis can travel through the bloodstream wreaking havoc throughout the body and has led to serious health issues including infections and even cognitive decline.

Addressing any dental infections immediately is critical in order to prevent severe and possible life-threatening outcomes, as an untreated abscessed tooth, gum disease, or root canal can quickly develop into larger issues if left untreated. Because the far-reaching effects of poor dental health go much further than just our mouths and can negatively impact our brains, it is important to take notice of the condition of our mouths. Paying attention to swollen gums, tooth pain, and regular check-ups at the dentist are vital to good oral health and hygiene.

During an appointment with your dentist, it’s highly likely that you’ll have x-rays taken of your teeth and jaw. While these images are extremely effective at diagnosing oral health issues such as cavities, gum disease, impacted teeth, or issues with the jaw including fractures, lesions, and abnormalities, some important signs of infection or inflammation can be missed. Another option, which is recommended by experts, is a Cone Beam CT scan for a more detailed look at the teeth and jaw.

The Cone Beam CT scan is able to detect more than just a cavity. This imaging can also reveal a caviation, which is a hole in the bone where bacteria, fungi, and microbes leech into the bloodstream and can lead to serious infections and cognitive decline. Other hidden health concerns can be more easily revealed by using this specific method, which makes a Cone Beam CT scan an essential tool for anyone at risk of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or other neurodegenerative diseases. For more information on Cone Beam CT scans, here is a great article detailing the entire procedure.

https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/dentalconect

Now, if you’re worrying that your regular oral hygiene routine might not be cutting it, let’s review:

Regular brushing and flossing are essential for a healthy mouth. These practices help prevent harmful bacteria from accumulating and reduce the risk of cavities or other dental issues leading to more serious conditions. Adding a water flosser or water pick to your daily efforts is another great tool that can increase your efforts because it helps remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria in addition to brushing and flossing. Routine check-ups with your dentist are also essential for good oral hygiene. The American Dental Association recommends that these take place twice a year but can vary depending on the individual’s needs. Work with your dentist to determine what’s best for you and your health.

While a beautiful smile is important, dental health is much more than just a cosmetic concern. Oral hygiene is a key component when it comes to the health of our brains and bodies. By reducing inflammation and taking steps to prevent harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream, choosing good habits can have a significant impact on overall health. Set aside a few moments today and evaluate your efforts and habits when it comes to your dental health. Maybe you’re overdue for a check-up or there’s a tooth bothering you that you’ve bene putting off addressing. Perhaps when you brush your teeth, you don’t brush for very long or you don’t pay attention to cleaning your gums as well. It could be that you don’t floss regularly. Whatever small changes you can implement to your oral health routine can have a huge impact and greatly benefit not only your dental health, but your overall health as well!

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