Here’s One More Reason to Brush Your Teeth Regularly

[Julieanne]

Steve Williams (http://www.care2.com/causes/author/stevebwilliams)
August 3, 2013 (http://www.care2.com/causes/author/stevebwilliams)

New research suggests there may be a link between bad oral hygiene and developing Alzheimer’s disease in later life. Why is this, and what do you need to know?

The study (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23666172), published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and conducted by a team at the University of Central Lancashire School of Medicine and Dentistry, looked at brain samples of those who had died of Alzheimer’s and found that a bacteria that thrives as a result of poor dental hygiene was present in four out of the 10 samples of brain tissue.

With such a small sample, that’s not overwhelmingly convincing, but previous research (http://dentalhygienetherapy.co.uk/clinical/oral-health-and-dementia/) has suggested a strong link between oral health and dementia. As this is the first study to offer a link between dementia and a specific bacterium, known as Porphyromonas gingivalis, the findings are being treated as significant

http://www.care2.com/causes/heres-one-more-reason-to-brush-your-teeth-regularly.html

[Reesacat]

Interesting — thank you Julieanne :)

[Ora Moose]

Color me doubtful. Just as overuse of antibiotics has inevitable backlash consequences so does the overuse of artificial brushing hygiene. Bacteria is natural and everywhere, and may be beneficial so yes gargle and clean your teeth but remember: never ask a barber if you need a haircut, or a medical dentist if you need their services or you may find yourself toothless.

[Islander]

Too true. People who walk into the optometrist's office usually walk out wearing glasses.

[Aaltrude]

Too true. People who walk into the optometrist's office usually walk out wearing glasses.
Um - the first time I had my eyes tested I was told my eyesight was normal and I didn't need glasses. I thought the same until this happened to me. Time however has not been kind in this respect and I do need correction now.