As several studies show, Periodontitis is one of the contributing factors for dementia in old age. As a chronic inflammatory disease in the mouth, periodontitis and the resulting tooth loss can lead to cognitive impairment in old age. In today's blog post, we explain why the risk of developing dementia increases with periodontitis and chronic gingivitis.
What is secondary caries?
As several studies have shown, periodontitis is one of the contributing factors for dementia in old age. As a chronic inflammatory disease in the mouth, periodontitis and the resulting loss of teeth in old age can lead to cognitive impairment. Why this risk of dementia to suffer from periodontitis and chronic gingivitis increases, we explain to you in today's blog post.
Periodontitis promotes tooth loss in old age
In young adults, tooth loss is often due to tooth decay, while tooth loss in old age is more likely to be caused by periodontitis. The assumption that periodontitis and the associated tooth loss in old age significantly increase the risk of dementia is not new. Numerous studies have already established a link between periodontitis and an increased risk of developing dementia. In 2019, an Indian research team returned to the topic in another study and was able to substantiate the previous assumption that tooth loss due to periodontitis and the risk of developing dementia is linked. 300 subjects with dementia, aged between 50 and 80, took part in the study.
Risk of dementia depending on the dental condition
The research team designed the study in such a way that the severity of each subject and the associated impairment of their cognitive performance was determined using a special test for dementia. The test is called the "Mini Mental State Examination" (MMSE for short) and is commonly used in practice to determine the severity of dementia. Economic factors such as marital status and education were also recorded. The result of the study was very clear: the more tooth loss the subject had, the more impaired their cognitive performance was. The researchers concluded that there is a direct connection between the number of teeth present and the risk of developing dementia. Previous studies have also been able to confirm this connection. The study also found that the degree of dementia also depended on social aspects. A significantly increased rate of tooth loss was found in subjects with a low level of education. Subjects who had a solid social network and a good level of education had significantly less severe dementia.
Connection between periodontitis and Alzheimer's?
Currently, not only is the connection between tooth loss caused by periodontal disease and the associated risk of developing dementia being discussed. The connection between periodontal disease and Alzheimer's is also currently the focus of scientific research. Until now, it was assumed that people with Alzheimer's neglect their dental hygiene because of the disease. It has been proven that people with Alzheimer's disease suffer particularly frequently from periodontal disease. Based on this assumption, periodontal disease would be seen as an effect of Alzheimer's disease. However, since researchers have been able to detect increased amounts of gingipain enzymes, which are produced by periodontal bacteria, in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, it is reasonable to suspect that it could also be the other way around.
Chewing function essential for the health of the human brain
Researchers assume that tooth loss due to periodontitis and the associated lack of chewing power and function leads to an increased risk of dementia. If you chew well, the blood and oxygen flow in the brain increases. This promotes brain health. With extensive tooth loss, chewing function is often very limited. In addition, people with increased tooth loss tend to have an unhealthy diet. This can lead to the brain no longer being "trained" sufficiently due to a lack of chewing movements. Periodontitis patients who are prone to tooth loss can significantly reduce their risk of dementia by closing large and small gaps in their teeth with a full set of teeth or a partial set of teeth. Chewing function is maintained, the diet is often healthier and the risk of dementia is reduced.
Dental hygiene with emmi®-dent against periodontitis
We at emmi®-dent know how important daily and thorough dental hygiene is. Dental health is a fundamental part of physical and mental well-being. For regular dental care, we recommend our emmi®-dent dental hygiene concept. It is characterized by: our emmi®-dent ultrasonic toothbrush, the corresponding emmi®-dent brush attachments and one of our special emmi®-dent ultrasonic toothpastes. Prevent periodontitis effectively with tooth cleaning utensils based on ultrasonic technology.
FAQ: 3 Questions and Answers about Periodontitis and Dementia
Does periodontitis increase the risk of dementia?
According to recent studies, periodontitis can actually increase the risk of developing dementia. In 2019, an Indian research team was able to prove in a study designed to demonstrate that tooth loss in old age leads to less blood and oxygen being transported to the brain due to the limited chewing function.
Does periodontitis pose a risk for Alzheimer's disease?
According to current studies, periodontitis can promote dementia. An Indian research team was able to strengthen this assumption in 2019 as part of a study designed for this purpose. Alzheimer's research is also currently working in this direction.
Can periodontitis be reduced by an ultrasonic toothbrush?
emmi®-dent ultrasonic toothbrushes work particularly thoroughly, even in the spaces between teeth and in the area of sensitive gums. In comparison to conventional toothbrushes, ultrasonic toothbrushes use ultrasonic technology to clean without abrasion. This means that the gums are not subjected to additional strain. The thorough removal of bacteria can also reduce inflammatory processes in the gums.
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