{"id":187,"date":"2023-10-25T07:52:27","date_gmt":"2023-10-25T07:52:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.columbusdentalarts.com\/blog\/?p=187"},"modified":"2023-11-28T08:02:45","modified_gmt":"2023-11-28T08:02:45","slug":"pink-gums-and-gray-matter-how-gum-disease-affects-your-brain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.columbusdentalarts.com\/blog\/?p=187","title":{"rendered":"Pink Gums and Gray Matter: How Gum Disease Affects Your Brain"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Graphic<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Because dentistry<\/a> is a specialty distinct from the rest of medicine, people sometimes think of it as being separate from what happens in the rest of the body. For that reason, they are often surprised when they see studies that show a connection between gum disease and many other health conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, recent research published by the American Academy of Neurology found that gum disease was closely associated with memory loss. If you\u2019re curious, here\u2019s what the data says and how you can make sure that your gums are in good condition long-term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Connection Between Gum Disease and Brain Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While it may seem like a stretch to suggest that poor oral health could contribute to Alzheimer\u2019s risk, there\u2019s at least some reason to think that the two conditions are associated. In July, the American Academy of Neurology published research to this effect. Researchers studied the brains and oral health of seniors with an average age of 67, measuring the rate at which their brains aged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They found that, even after controlling for age, gum disease and tooth loss were linked to advanced brain age and memory degradation. While no causal link was conclusively proven, an association between the two conditions is apparent in the data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Protect Your Gums<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Given the potential consequences of gum disease, it\u2019s important to keep your oral health in good condition. Gum disease becomes more common as people get older, which means that seniors in particular need to be sure that they\u2019re protecting their gums from infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully, there\u2019s plenty that you can do in this regard. Much of this happens at home\u2014maintaining excellent dental hygiene can do a lot to stymie the development of gum disease. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily can go a long way to ensuring that your gums stay nice and healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should also make it a point to see your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings. Even if you\u2019re diligent with your oral hygiene, there are places in your mouth that you can\u2019t reach on your own and that require professional help to clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So long as you adhere to these simple principles, you can keep your gums nice and healthy well into late adulthood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Our Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At Columbus Dental Arts, we not only strive to provide the absolute highest level of oral healthcare, but also to give our patients service that is second to none. We take the time to listen to our patients\u2019 needs, understand them as individuals, and then tailor treatment to their unique needs. When you\u2019re here, you\u2019ll never have to feel like just another set of teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have any questions about how oral health can impact the rest of the body, we can be reached at our website<\/a> or by phone at (609) 324-9500.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Because dentistry is a specialty distinct from the rest of medicine, people sometimes think of it as being separate from what happens in the rest of the body. For that reason, they are often surprised when they see studies that show a connection between gum disease and many other health conditions. For example, recent research […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-187","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nHow Gum Disease Affects Your Brain | Columbus Dental Arts<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Gum disease doesn\u2019t look or feel great, but its effects on the body can run much deeper than that. 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