Poor Oral Health May Contribute to Declines in Brain Health

USA: A recent study conducted by the researchers from the Yale School of Medicine has found that poor oral health may have negative effects on brain health.

The study was based on 40,000 adult participants from the UK Biobank and aimed to examine the links between oral and brain health. The participants were screened for 105 genetic variants related to poor oral health and were examined for brain MRI images to detect white matter and microstructural damage.

Study Findings

The researchers found that the participants with genetic variants that predisposed them to oral health problems such as cavities and tooth loss had a higher burden of silent cerebrovascular disease, which is a risk factor for future strokes.

These participants showed a 24% increase in white matter hyper-intensities on MRI images and a 43% increase in brain microstructural damage scores. However, the study had some limitations, as the participants were predominantly white and of European ancestry, and more evidence is needed from a diverse population to confirm the findings.

“Poor oral health may cause declines in brain health, so we need to be extra careful with our oral hygiene because it has implications far beyond the mouth,” said study author Cyprien Rivier, M.D., M.S., a postdoctoral fellow in neurology at the Yale School of Medicine.

“However, this study is preliminary, and more evidence needs to be gathered – ideally through clinical trials – to confirm improving oral health in the population will lead to brain health benefits.”

 “Uncontrolled gum disease increases your risk of a heart [attack] from 200-400%. All the bacteria that flows from your mouth deposits into your heart and creates an environment that makes you prone to a heart attack.”

Jessica Pharar, DMD, founder of the Pharar Foundation in Las Vegas

Oral Health and Health Problems

According to Jessica Pharar, DMD, founder of the Pharar Foundation in Las Vegas, poor oral health can increase inflammation and bacteria in the body, which is associated with various diseases, including diabetes, stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.

“In fact, as a dentist, I have discovered my patient has diabetes before their doctor,” said Pharar. “Changes in your body are often first seen in your mouth. If you have uncontrolled gum disease, it makes you at a higher risk for certain types of cancers and diabetes.”

 “Uncontrolled gum disease increases your risk of a heart [attack] from 200-400%. All the bacteria that flows from your mouth deposits into your heart and creates an environment that makes you prone to a heart attack.”

Symptoms of poor oral health include bleeding during tooth brushing, mouth or tooth pain, and cavities on the teeth. Improving oral health by brushing thoroughly, cleaning the tongue, and using floss or a water flosser can help reduce the risk of various health problems.

Improving Oral Health for Better Brain Health

Taking care of your teeth and gums may offer benefits beyond oral health, including improving brain health. Studies have shown that gum disease, missing teeth, and other signs of poor oral health, as well as poor brushing habits and lack of plaque removal, increase the risk of stroke.

Stroke is the number 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States, according to the American Stroke Association.

“What hasn’t been clear is whether poor oral health affected brain health, meaning the functional status of a person’s brain, which we are now able to understand better using neuroimaging tools such as magnetic resonance imaging or MRI,” said Rivier.

“Studying oral health is especially important because poor oral health happens frequently and is an easily modifiable risk factor — everyone can effectively improve their oral health with minimal time and financial investment.”

The upcoming American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2023, to be held from Feb. 8-10, 2023, in Dallas and virtually, will provide an opportunity for researchers and clinicians to present their findings on the science of stroke and brain health.