Emma Nelson on The Mouth-Brain Link
Oral health is vital for all-over body and brain health, not just the mouth
A healthy smile is important. A good oral hygiene routine can prolong healthy teeth and gums but it can also have health benefits far beyond the mouth, from protecting your brain to enhancing your heart health. A clean smile requires some effort but it’s effort that pays off in the long run and cleaning between the teeth is key.
Did you know that over three quarters of tooth decay starts between our teeth? That alone is a good enough reason to use interdental cleaners but there’s also another reason. We’re starting see a compelling link between oral bacteria from gum disease and Alzheimer’s. Interested to know more? Then read on…
Preventing the build-up of bacteria in gums can have significant long-term benefits. Bacteria that causes gum disease leaking into the bloodstream which triggers an immune response. A continuous immune response can lead to chronic inflammation and this damages the heart. A study of blood clots in stroke patients revealed that 80% showed the presence of oral bacteria.
A recent study conducted by the University of Central Lancashire’s School of Dentistry examined the brain tissue from Alzheimer’s patients for presence of gum disease bacteria and associated proteins. The oral bacteria was found exclusively in the brains of Alzheimer’s sufferers and not in the brains of those without the disease. In short, oral hygiene is incredibly important for the health of your body and brain.
What happens in the brain in response to gum disease?
Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque and bacteria around the teeth which can then lead to gums becoming infected and swollen. As a response to the infected gums, certain antibodies or proteins can build up in the brain which interrupt communication between brain cells resulting in cognitive decline, particularly memory loss and confusion.
Level-up your oral hygiene routine
Although brushing your teeth may seem like a simple task, it’s easy to clean on “auto pilot” without ensuring teeth and gums are cleaned thoroughly. However, it can become an enjoyable self-care routine when we set the time aside to properly care for our teeth and mouth. A toothbrush alone cleans just 60% of the tooth but less than a third of us clean between the teeth on a regular basis. To hit the other 40% that the toothbrush can’t reach, oral hygiene products such as DenTek’s floss picks and interdental brushes are a must.
As a dentist, I recommend the “Inside, Outside, Upside, Done!” approach. This involves cleaning between the teeth first, followed by the outside (brushing your teeth) and the upside (tongue) and then spitting but not rinsing. It’s important to leave the toothpaste on the teeth and gums to allow the fluoride to do its work. I particularly love DenTek’s eco-friendly range of interdental brushes and floss picks. They are great for making sure every inch of tooth is reached. https://dentek-eu.com/clean-filter/eco-friendly/
It really pays to invest in the health of your teeth with a proper oral care routine. Most people know to brush their teeth but too few include interdental and tongue cleaning. By adding these important areas to your oral hygiene routine, the benefits can reach far beyond just the health of your teeth. Your smile and potentially your heart and your brain will thank you!
As a first step, why not introduce flossing or interdental brushing once a day to your oral hygiene routine and notice the difference to the health of your teeth and gums.
By Emma Nelson
Dental Hygienist Emma Nelson is deeply passionate about patient care and enhancing the overall dental experience. She qualified from Sheffield University in 2020 with a Diploma in Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy and has since expanded her skill set through numerous advanced courses.
With over 10 years of experience in dentistry, including her previous role as a dental nurse, Emma brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her practice at The Dental Referral Centre in Derbyshire, UK. She is committed to focusing on oral hygiene and preventive care while also offering various aspects of restorative dentistry. Outside of her professional life, Emma enjoys spending quality time with her children and socialising with family and friends.
