Remember to Take out Your Dentures Every Night

Studies have shown that neglecting your dental health may cause a variety of other health problems. Researchers are now saying there could be a link between Alzheimer's disease and poor dental health. There are many questions still in the air, but this topic is being explored in greater detail due to recent findings.

You may be wondering how something like brushing your teeth could be linked to something as severe as Alzheimer's. According to researchers, a certain bacteria can gain entry into the bloodstream thanks to poor dental hygiene. Once in the bloodstream, it can travel to the brain where it will cause chaos and kill brain cells. The bacteria in question are found in gum disease and are specifically linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease.

What is the Effect?

The bacteria target the part of the brain that is associated with memory loss and cause damage to and loss of cells in this area. Essentially, the bacteria can cause the onset of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

The bacteria kill brain cells once in the bloodstream, thus causing confusion and memory loss. Studies indicate that the bacteria can also make Alzheimer's disease worse if the bacteria are in a person who already has the disease.

Prevention

There are several ways to prevent the bacteria from entering your bloodstream. The first is to brush and floss your teeth regularly. This means not just once a day before bed but up to and after every meal. Your dentist can also recommend how often to do these activities.

Another way to prevent the bacteria from growing is to change your toothbrush frequently. Most people don't consider the toothbrush as a way of transferring bacteria, but it is a main way unless changed frequently.

Lastly, you can prevent the bacteria from gaining a foothold by regularly visiting your dentist for scheduled cleanings. It seems simple, but getting your teeth deep cleaned and examined by your dentist is an easy and effective way to kill much of the growing bacteria in your mouth.

Many speculations are currently surrounding the accuracy of this research; however, more and more studies are starting to provide greater evidence of bacteria preventable through good oral hygiene causing or contributing to Alzheimer's disease. If studies are able to definitively prove that the bacteria is linked to Alzheimer's disease, then doctors will be able to test people for the bacteria in order to prevent the disease early on. For further information about proper dental care, contact a representative from an establishment like Dental Care Of Scottsburg - Randol O Woolbright Jr DDS.