Recent research suggests a connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s. Oral bacteria may contribute to brain inflammation and cognitive decline. This blog explores the science and how protecting your gums could support brain health.
Most people know that gum disease can lead to tooth loss and bad breath—but recent research suggests the impact could go far beyond your mouth. Scientists are finding growing evidence that chronic periodontal disease may be linked to cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease. While the connection is still being studied, it raises important questions about how the health of your gums may influence the health of your brain.
If you've been putting off that dental cleaning or ignoring bleeding gums, now might be the time to take oral care more seriously—not just for your smile, but for your long-term brain health. Here's what the research says.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the tissues and bone supporting your teeth. It usually starts as gingivitis (red, swollen gums that bleed easily) and can progress to periodontitis if left untreated. Periodontitis can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, leading to bone loss and, eventually, tooth loss.
But it doesn’t stop there—because this chronic inflammation doesn’t just stay in your mouth.
How Gum Disease May Affect the Brain
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Bacteria in the Brain:
One of the main bacteria involved in gum disease—Porphyromonas gingivalis—has been found in the brain tissue of people with Alzheimer’s. These bacteria may travel from the mouth to the brain through the bloodstream or along nerve pathways. -
Chronic Inflammation:
Long-term gum disease causes systemic inflammation, which may contribute to the kind of chronic inflammation seen in Alzheimer’s patients. Inflammation is believed to play a key role in damaging brain cells and worsening cognitive decline.
What the Research Says
A growing number of studies have been carried out in the past few years and their results and analyses support the link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s:
- A 2019 study published in Science Advances titled Porphyromonas gingivalis in Alzheimer’s disease brains:
Evidence for disease causation and treatment with
small-molecule inhibitors found DNA evidence of P. gingivalis in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, along with toxic enzymes called gingipains that may damage neurons.
- A 2024 review in the Internation Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health titled Analysis the Link between Periodontal Diseases and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review concluded that people with chronic periodontal disease had a higher risk of developing dementia and cognitive impairment.
- A 2024 study published in the Journal for Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease titled Periodontal Disease and Alzheimer’s: Insights from a Systematic Literature Network Analysis highlighted two main pathways linking gum disease to brain inflammation—chronic inflammation and microbial spread—and suggested that maintaining good oral health could help reduce Alzheimer’s risk.
- Other population-based studies have shown that individuals with a history of gum disease may experience more rapid cognitive decline compared to those with healthier gums.
While more research is needed to fully understand the relationship, the evidence is compelling enough that many scientists now consider gum disease a potential risk factor for Alzheimer’s.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Gums—and Your Brain
The good news? Gum disease is preventable—and often reversible if caught early.
Here are a few simple but powerful steps:
- Brush twice a day and floss daily.
- Get regular professional dental cleanings—especially if you have risk factors like diabetes or a family history of gum disease.
- Don’t ignore symptoms like bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or gum recession.
- If diagnosed with gum disease, follow your dentist’s recommendations for treatment and ongoing care.
Conclusion
The link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s is a reminder that oral health is whole-body health. Taking care of your gums might not just help you keep your teeth—it could help you keep your memory. While more research is needed, the connection is strong enough to take seriously. So next time you think about skipping your dental visit, remember: your brain might thank you.
If you haven't been able to access the dental care you require due to the high costs associated with dental care, at Aleriom we'll be more than happy to help you. Feel free to send us a message and we'll help you get started with your dental care safely and affordably.
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