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Oral Hygiene Connected to Mental Health

Previous studies have established the relationship between our oral health and our likelihood of developing heart disease, as excessive bacteria from our mouths can have a negative impact on our heart health if not properly treated. Meanwhile, conditions such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS have been shown to worsen oral health problems as both of these diseases contribute to a weakened immune system, thereby increasing the risk of infection. However, scientists have now turned their interest to the potential relationship between our mouths and our brains. After all, proximity alone lends itself to some interesting, if not worrisome, possibilities. In fact, if any such link exists, it is likely due to a common inflammatory pathway, which may contribute to the development of dementia.

Currently, it is estimated that approximately 36% of individuals in the United States aged 70 or older are struggling with some form of cognitive decline. Among this population, the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that around 5.4 million people are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia in the U.S. Both the likelihood and severity of such conditions only increase with age, with numbers projected to double by 2050. Because of this and because of the current prevalence of cognitive decline amongst older U.S. adults, researchers have turned their interest towards determining potential causes and contributing factors to conditions such as Alzheimer’s. Thus, as the older population continues to expand, so, too, does research into both oral health and cognition.

Can Poor Dental Health Lead to Dementia?

At present there is enough scientific evidence to suggest that at least some link exists between the higher rates of oral disease amongst older U.S. adults and the increased prevalence of cognitive impairment, particularly dementia. Led by Dr. Bei Wu, researchers from Duke University’s School of Nursing in Durham, North Carolina sought to determine what, if any, relationship existed between oral and cognitive health in older adults. To do this, they began by conducting cross sectional and longitudinal analyses on pre-existing studies published between 1993 and 2013. What they found was that certain oral health measures like the number of teeth, cavities, and whether or not the patients had periodontal disease, could indicate whether or not they were at risk of developing some sort of cognitive decline, like dementia.

An Important Topic that Needs More Research

While there is sufficient evidence to suggest that this is an area worth studying and a possible connection to be explored, there is not enough information from this particular analysis to definitively determine whether or not there is a positive correlation. In other words, Dr. Wu and his colleagues have discovered a new avenue of research guided by new questions to consider, but their preliminary study isn’t enough to provide solid answers. That being said, there is certainly enough data which supports this new area of investigation. Dr. Wu himself says that “Clinical evidence suggests that the frequency of oral health problems increases significantly in cognitively impaired older people, particularly those with dementia. In addition, many of the factors associated with poor oral health, such as poor nutrition and systemic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, are also associated with poor cognitive function.”

Dr. Wu acknowledges the limitations of his study but urges future researchers to gather data from larger, more representative population samples. Furthermore, by incorporating more sophisticated measures of analysis like cognitive assessments and oral health measures scientists will be able to more accurately determine whether or not there is a direct correlation between oral health and cognitive decline. One fact remains, though, and that is that we should care for every part of our bodies, because each part can affect the whole.

To schedule an appointment at our Boca Raton office, please call us directly at 561-368-3636.

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This early teaching sends a message that the care of their teeth and gums and mouth is a priority. This will have significant impact, not just on their oral health, but their overall well-being on into adulthood.

And one can never start too soon. Starting effective oral health habits should begin as soon as infancy and kept up as part of your child’s entire life.

Why are primary teeth so important?

Since primary teeth fall out and are replaced with permanent teeth anyway, it seems reasonable to ask why they are so important to care for. Neglected cavities not only damage the baby teeth but can also lead to damage to the incoming teeth too. Primary teeth have a function beyond just eating. They are important for developing the ability to do proper chewing and eating. They provide space for incoming teeth permanent teeth and even act to guide them into place. They also make possible the correct development of the jaw bones and muscles.

Children’s teeth begin forming before birth. As soon as four months, the first baby teeth make their first appearance. Usually all 20 primary teeth are in by age 3, the frequency of their appearance varies. At age 8 the permanent teeth begin replace the primaries. There is commonly Between age 8 and 10 there is a break before the rest of the permanent teeth come in. This process will continue up till the age of 21 or so.

Adults have 28 permanent teeth, or up to 32 including the third molars (or wisdom teeth). Early oral care of children’s teeth will ensure healthy teeth and gums when they grow older.

Of course, they will depend on you to help them learn the habits that will protect their dental health into their later years.

Tips for Parents to Keep Kids Teeth Healthy

Cleaning your infant’s gums is important even before they appear. After each feeding you can use a water soaked washcloth or gauze pad to stimulate gum tissue and clean away food waste. After the baby’s teeth come through use a small, soft-bristled brush with a pea-sized bit of fluoridated tooth paste. This will help inhibit decay. You can also find fluoride in mouth washes, community water supplies and some foods. If using mouth was be careful to swab to not let your baby swallow.

By age two or three, depending on your child, it is time to teach proper brushing techniques. This will require you to keep helping with gentle flossing and brushing until around 7 or 8 years of age. It will not be till then that children will have the dexterity to perform this on their own.

When picking out tooth brushes and toothpaste, make sure that they are approved from the American Dental Association. The AMA’s seal will be on the packaging helping you make the right choice.

About three of four times a year, change your child’s tooth brush and after every illness to avoid bacteria and germs.

Limit sugar by providing fruits, carrots and other low sugar healthy snacks instead of cookies and candy. Discourage snacking between meals and be certain they are brushing, with your help, after each meal.

Make sure your water supply is fluoridated. If your municipality does not fluoridate the water, discuss with your child’s dental hygienist options to provide the proper amount of fluoride to help reduce cavities.

As with everything you do as a parent or care-giver, set a good example. Brush and floss yourself. Eat healthy foods and have regular visits to your dentist

Never stop reminding your child about the benefits of good oral health. Point out the role eating healthy food plays in maintaining it.

Beginning around their first birthday, schedule regular oral health appointments with a qualified dental health hygienist specializing in child hood care.

Creating effective and proper dental hygiene is most important but even the best home routine should be backed up with ongoing heath checkup by a qualified expert.

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The wide variety of options available can sometimes be a bit overwhelming! After all, long gone are the simple days of using mere baking soda like our parents or grandparents. But with all of these choices at our fingertips, how can we be sure that we’re making the right one, especially when it comes to our toothpaste? Does flavoring matter? Are certain brands better than others? To save some confusion (and hopefully money, too!) below is a list of some important things to consider when purchasing toothpastes for a brighter, whiter, and healthier smile!

Pearly Perfection

There are a number of toothpastes on the market which claim to be particularly effective at eliminating tooth discoloration and turning yellow teeth into sparkling, pearly whites. However, sometimes advertising can be misleading. Most so-called whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives which help remove the buildup of additional stains from the teeth, but they don’t necessarily improve the overall discoloration. According to Dr. Augusto Robles, director of operative dentistry at the University of Alabama, the best choice toothpastes for teeth whitening contain modified silicone abrasives. But if those don’t produce the desired results after a month of usage most dental offices offer in-house treatments to get rid of discoloration.

Sensitive Solutions

 Sensitive teeth and/or gums? No problem! Some of us struggle with sensitivity even without cavities or root infections. In some cases, sensitivity may be the result of brushing too roughly. After all, we don’t need to be overly forceful when brushing our teeth! Instead, let the brush itself and the toothpaste do their jobs, without being abrasive while brushing. However, sometimes sensitivity just comes naturally, and isn’t necessarily a sign of poor flossing or brushing habits. Some of us may even suffer from exposed roots, which can make the need to brush a scary one! For sensitive smiles, Dr. Sally Cram, a Washington, D.C.-based periodontist recommends desensitizing toothpastes, such as those which contain the ingredients potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. Both are equally effective at helping lessen the pain of teeth brushing, and the ADA has approved their use in several brands of toothpaste.

Cavity Calamity

Our mouths are full of special bacteria which aid in breaking down foods and protecting us from certain invading organisms. However, not all bacteria is good bacteria. In fact, everyday a type of bacteria called plaque tries to cling to our teeth. This bacteria interacts with certain foods, especially sugars, to create acids which eat away at our tooth enamel! This wearing process results in tiny holes which we call cavities. The best solution for this problem, as recommended by the ADA and dentists everywhere, is the mineral fluoride. Fluoride is essentially nature’s cavity fighter. Luckily, these days most toothpastes on the market contain fluoride as one of their primary ingredients. That being said, any product endorsed by the ADA as being anti-cavity is a great choice for patients, particularly those who are more susceptible to cavity formation. Just be sure to give your teeth enough time during brushing to be properly cleaned. Dr. Robles also recommends that brushing and spitting, but not rinsing immediately, can help the fluoride to do its job by giving it more time to work.

Dazzling Dentures

But what about those of us who wear dentures? What is the best method for cleaning teeth when they’re not entirely our own? Luckily, almost any regular toothpaste can be effective for cleaning dentures. Much like natural teeth, dentures require regular, gentle brushing to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. However, some dentists recommend effervescent tablets as an even more effective alternative to good old toothpaste. There are many ADA-approved brands of denture-cleaning tablets, all of which work by soaking the dentures over a period of time (usually overnight) to eliminate bacteria buildup and reduce discoloration.

Tackling Tartar

Also referred to by dentists as “calculus,” tartar is essentially bacterial plaque which has hardened. Once tartar has formed, no amount of brushing can get it off, which is why most dentists employ the help of a little pick to help scrape the substance off of our teeth. However, it should be known that certain toothpastes contain ingredients which can help prevent tartar-buildup in the first place. Such ingredients include pyrophosphates and zinc citrate. Employing toothpastes with these helpful ingredients can reduce the amount of tartar which builds up on our teeth, not only improving our overall oral health, but also resulting in less discomfort in future dental visits.

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Top 5 Foods for Good Oral Hygiene

In fact, according to the American Dental Association, dental health is usually the most susceptible to decline and neglect. However, thankfully, they’ve compiled a list of foods that can actually help maintain good dental health and oral hygiene. Follow this list and enjoy a beautiful smile for years to come:

1. Dairy

Dairy-based products like yogurt and cheese are great for teeth because they’re a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamin D! These ingredients help maintain the strength and overall good health of teeth. Yogurt also often contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacterial cultures that can help maintain healthy gums. These helpful bacteria push out harmful bacteria which can otherwise lead to cavities and tooth decay. However, the best yogurt is the kind without added sugar or flavorings, as these can counteract the health benefits.

2. Lean Proteins

The ADA explains that “phosphorus-rich foods such as meat, poultry, fish, milk and eggs help to strengthen your teeth and contain valuable protein.” These lean proteins can help protect and rebuild our tooth enamel. Protein also aids in the development of connective tissue and can help support our immune function.

3. Leafy Vegetables

It’s no secret that vegetables are a big part of any healthy diet, but leafy greens are also really important for healthy teeth. High in both water and fiber, these vegetables help balance the sugars they contain to clean our teeth. Not to mention, they contain a number of essential vitamins and minerals, like folic acid, a form of vitamin b. This ingredient has numerous health benefits, including aiding with cell regeneration. In fact, some studies have shown that folic acid can potentially treat gum disease, particularly for pregnant women. Chewing veggies can also help stimulate the production of saliva, which helps our mouths to wash away otherwise harmful food particles and acids.

4. Fruits

Similarly, fruits are another diet staple high in water and fiber which can help contribute to good dental health. However, we must be careful, as some fruits that are overly sugary can actually have the opposite effect! In fact, the ADA recommends staying away from most sugary foods, but certain fruits like apples can prove to be beneficial. Many of us are familiar with the old saying: “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but there may be more truth to this than we previously realized! Of course, even an apple can’t replace regular brushing and visits to the dentist.

5. Nuts

Science has shown how nuts like almonds contain proteins and minerals which can be important for our overall health. However, what many of us may not realize is that many nuts are also low in carbohydrates. Why is this important? Well, according to the ADA, “tooth decay is caused by acid-producing bacteria that are activated by carbs.” Therefore foods low in carbs, like nuts, do not contribute to the risk of cavities. Almonds are an especially good source of protein and calcium, whilst being low in sugar. Like leafy greens, chewing nuts for a snack can also help stimulate saliva production, which washes away tooth-decay causing acid and bacteria.

The Most Important Thing to Remember about Good Oral Health

These foods can all help maintain overall oral health as well as allow us to maintain a healthy, vibrant smile. However, the most important thing to consume? Water. The ADA says that “water, especially fluoridated water, is the best beverage for maintaining your oral health.” Since 2012, nearly 75% of the US population has had access to fluoridated water, which has helped make our teeth more resistant to the acids which can cause cavities. Water is the most important thing to consume, not only for our teeth, but for our overall health and well-being!

If you feel it’s time for a root canal check-up, please call our office @ 561-368-ENDO (3636) to schedule an appointment!

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Oral Hygiene and Alzheimer’s

Interestingly, a study conducted by researchers from New York University (NYU) found that there is a link between gum inflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. This follows 20 years of data which illustrates the association. The size of the population examined was fairly small. Researchers studied 152 participants who were enrolled in the Glostrop Aging Study. This study sought to explore the relationships between the oral, psychological, and medical health of Danish men and women. By the end of the study, all of the subjects were over the age of 70.

Researchers were especially interested in comparing the participants’ cognitive function between the ages of 50 and 70. In studying this, they found that individuals who had gum disease at the age of 70 also had low scores of cognitive function. The researchers found that study participants with inflammation of the gums were at least 9 times more likely to have lower cognitive scores. Even after taking into account certain variable factors like obesity, cigarette smoking, and tooth loss that is unrelated to gum inflammation, there was a visible correlation between a low cognitive scores and gum inflammation.

Other researchers followed up on the findings of this study with studies of their own. One such report came from a 2013 study from researchers at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). Building on the results of the NYU study, these researchers examined the brain samples of 10 patients who were living with Alzheimer’s and compared them with 10 brain samples from individuals who did not have the disease. Medical News Today reports their findings of “a bacterium – Porphyromonas gingivalis -” which was found in “the Alzheimer’s brain samples but not in the samples from the brains of people who did not have Alzheimer’s.”

Alzheimer’s vs. Gum Disease

What is particularly interesting about this discovery is that this bacterium is typically found in individuals who suffer from chronic gum disease. Study co-author, Dr. Sim K. Singhrao says there’s enough evidence to suggest that two of the three main bacteria which cause gum disease can become mobile, and have consistently been found in the tissue of the brain. Dr. Singhrao explains: “These motile bacteria can leave the mouth and enter the brain via two main routes…They can use their movement capability to directly enter the brain. One of the paths taken is to crawl up the nerves that connect the brain and the roots of teeth. The other path is indirect entry into the brain via the blood circulation system.”

For example, if a patient were to have bleeding gums, Dr. Singhrao posits that every time they clean their mouth or eat food, gum disease-causing bacteria can and likely will enter the bloodstream. He adds that “P. gingivalis is particularly interesting as it has found ways to hitch a lift from red blood cells when in the blood stream and instead of getting ‘off the red blood cell bus’ in the spleen, they choose to get off in the brain at an area where there are no immune checkpoints. From there, they spread to the brain at their will. In addition, in older individuals, the blood vessels tend to enlarge and become leaky.”

Gum Disease is Highly Preventable

Dr. Singhrao and his colleagues conclude that P. gingivalis can enter the bloodstream through gum disease. Using lab rats to test this theory, the researchers confirmed the ability for the bacterium to find its way to the brain once it has entered the bloodstream. They also found that the chemicals which the brain releases in response to the bacterium can inadvertently cause damage. Actually, this response can cause damage to functional neurons in the area of the brain that is related to our memory.

Luckily, gum disease, particularly in younger patients, is fairly preventable with proper oral hygiene and routine care. Further research is needed into the relationship between our oral health and our overall well-being but the results of these studies show the need for dental services and technicians nearby. That being said, if there is at least one take-away, it is that oral health impacts overall body health. So when we take care of ourselves, we must remember not to neglect anything, especially not our teeth.

To schedule a root canal check-up at Tooth Savers – The Office of Dr. Glen Mitchell, please fill out a contact form or call us directly @ 561-368-3636.

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