{"id":1234,"date":"2021-05-22T22:06:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-22T22:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.islandcoastdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=1234"},"modified":"2021-06-11T22:08:16","modified_gmt":"2021-06-11T22:08:16","slug":"gum-disease-and-alzheimers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.islandcoastdentistry.com\/blog\/gum-disease-and-alzheimers\/","title":{"rendered":"The Relationship Between Gum Disease and Alzheimer\u2019s"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround the teeth and hold them firmly into place. Poor oral hygiene is the number one cause of this problem, but there are numerous other conditions in the body that it is related to, including Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Read on to learn more about the relationship between the two and what you can do to keep your gums in excellent health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Are Gum Disease and Alzheimer\u2019s Related?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are multiple different stages of gum disease. The first one is less severe and known as gingivitis. This condition is very common and affects nearly half of the American population over the age over 30. Fortunately, gingivitis is usually reversible, and it\u2019s possible to return back to optimal oral health. However, when it is left to progress, gingivitis can turn to periodontitis. At this time, subgingival packets develop between the teeth and gums. These spaces fill up with bacteria and become nearly impossible to eliminate entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several types of bacteria that are found in periodontitis that is also present in the brain of people who are suffering from Alzheimer\u2019s disease. These bacteria are known as Porphyromonas gingivalis. <\/em>An American pharmaceutical company, Cortexyme, did a study on mice to show how these bacteria spread to the brain and result in the symptoms of Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Is Gum Disease Prevented<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gum disease is incredibly common, but it is also easily preventable. Here are some steps you can take in order to lessen your risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n