Does Alzheimer's disease begin in the mouth?

In recent years, scientists have made groundbreaking findings about Alzheimer's disease.

It has been revealed that this neurodegenerative disease, which was previously associated only with genetics and aging, may actually be associated with chronic infections.

And surprisingly, most of the culprit microorganisms live in the mouth.

What is Gingivalis and why is it dangerous?

Porphyromonas gingivalis is one of the most important bacteria responsible for gingivitis. It is often found in the oral flora of individuals with periodontitis (advanced gum disease).

However, this bacteria is not limited to the mouth: it travels throughout the body through the blood, and traces have been found in brain tissue in particular.

A 2019 study published in the journal Science Advances detected DNA and toxins from the bacterium gingivalis in brain autopsies of Alzheimer's patients (Source: Dominy et al., 2019). This suggests that Alzheimer's may not be merely a plaque disease but rather an inflammatory disease of infectious origin.

Is tooth brushing frequency associated with dementia risk?

In recent years, scientists have made groundbreaking findings about Alzheimer's disease. This neurodegenerative disease, once associated solely with genetics and aging, may actually be linked to chronic infections.

And surprisingly, most of the culprit microorganisms live in the mouth.

4 early signs of Alzheimer's disease begin in the mouth

- Don't forget to brush your teeth.

- Unilateral chewing tendency.

- Decreased sense of smell.

- Constant dry mouth and taste changes.

How is your gum health? Mini test (5 questions)

- Do you have bleeding gums?

- Have you had your teeth cleaned in the last year?

- Do you brush at least twice a day?

- Do you use dental floss or an interdental brush?

- Do you have any recession or sensitivity in your gums?

0–1 yes → Great

2–3 yes → Check time

4–5 yes → Joint follow-up by a dentist and cardiologist is recommended.

5 factors that increase the risk of Alzheimer's in people with gum disease

1 - Being over 65 years of age.

2 - Presence of type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

3 - The habit of brushing teeth less than once a day .

4 - Long- term untreated gum bleeding.

5 - Disruption of oral bacterial diversity (dysbiosis)

(Source: International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2022)

Is oral health a new field of neurology?

Yes. Interdisciplinary clinics between dentistry and neurology are now being established in many countries under the name "Oral-Systemic Health."

Because one end of the path to the brain is through the palate.

For this reason, oral flora screenings are also performed on individuals suspected of having dementia. The first step in preventing Alzheimer's disease is sometimes a visit to the dentist.

How does oral flora change in Alzheimer's patients?

- Saliva production decreases.

- The oral defense system weakens.

- The rate of harmful bacteria increases.

- Gum recession and inflammation become widespread.

This condition is not only a result of Alzheimer's disease, but can also be a precursor symptom.

Because while the disease progresses silently, the first symptoms may appear in the mouth:

Dry mouth, bad breath, bleeding gums and difficulty chewing.

How does it reach the brain from the mouth?

Under normal circumstances, the brain has a defensive wall called the blood-brain barrier. However, when this barrier weakens due to factors such as aging, stress, diabetes, and chronic inflammation, bacteria and toxins can reach the nerve tissue. A toxin called gingipain, produced by the bacteria P. gingivalis, can directly damage brain cells and trigger the accumulation of Alzheimer's plaques called amyloid beta.

In other words, someone with gum disease may be unknowingly initiating the Alzheimer's process in their brain.

Can the brain be protected if dental health is protected?

The research is clear: Early treatment of gum disease can slow brain inflammation and plaque buildup.

Experimental studies have shown that gingivalis causes brain inflammation; brain damage has been reduced with antibiotics used against this bacteria.

(Source: Dominy et al., 2019).

This means that oral hygiene is a line of defense not only for dental health but also for memory and thinking skills.

TOMORROW

- Neglecting your mouth makes the whole body sick.

- Bidirectional relationship between dental health, diabetes and rheumatism.

- The effect of gingivitis on pregnancy and preterm birth risk.

- Systemic diseases that start in the mouth but shake the body.

Bad breath is a sign of Alzheimer's and heart disease.