“Don’t forget to brush your teeth!” Turns out Mom was protecting our smiles and safeguarding our brains
Dementia impacts someone every three seconds. In 2020, over 55 million people globally lived with this condition, a number projected to reach 139 million by 2050. As dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, poses significant public health challenges, researchers are exploring its risk factors, including the role of oral health.
UNHEALTHY MOUTHS, FADING MEMORIES
“Don’t forget to brush your teeth!” Turns out Mom was protecting our smiles and safeguarding our brains. Research indicates that poor oral health, including tooth loss, chewing difficulty, and periodontal disease, is linked to cognitive decline and dementia. A UK study, including approximately 40,000 adults aged 40–70, found that individuals genetically predisposed to poor oral health had neuroimaging markers suggesting impaired brain health.
Beyond cavities and gum disease, the influence of the oral microbiome on brain health is being investigated. With over 700 bacterial species and other microbes, the oral microbiome is the second-largest microbial community after the gut. Disruptions of the oral microbiome can lead to concerns, including periodontitis, dental cavities, cardiovascular disease, and dementia.
A study of 115 individuals, including people with mild cognitive impairment, found an association between oral bacteria and brain health. Higher levels of Neisseria bacteria were linked to improved working memory, executive function, and visual attention. Participants with cognitive impairment had higher levels of Porphyromonas, and the bacteria Prevotella intermedia were linked to the APOE4 gene, a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.
Harmful oral pathogens such as Porphyromonas gingivalis may contribute to neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier dysfunction, and amyloid-beta aggregation associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Reduced brain stimulation and impaired nutrient absorption may also help explain the link between oral health and cognitive decline.
DENTAL CARE, BRAIN CARE
These findings suggest that oral health care may be a promising and straightforward way to support brain health, and one worth prioritizing.
Consistent oral hygiene habits are essential and should include:
- Brushing teeth for 2–3 minutes, twice daily
- Flossing once daily
- Tongue brushing or scraping
- Regular dental visits
- Avoiding smoking and reducing alcohol
Just as daily hygiene is vital, nutrition and key nutrients are essential for oral and brain health.
Nutrition and oral health are closely connected. Diets low in sugar and alcohol and high in healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables help prevent oral health concerns. Research also shows that nitrate-rich diets promote beneficial bacteria that produce nitric oxide, a compound important for healthy blood flow and brain function. Foods rich in nitrates include spinach, beets, and carrots.
Vitamin C supports collagen production for bones, teeth, and gums and helps prevent dental caries. Low vitamin C levels are linked to periodontal disease, while supplementation reduces inflammation and improves gum health.
Calcium, vitamin D3, and vitamin K2 harmoniously support oral health. Calcium is an essential nutrient for strong bones and teeth, and vitamins D3 and K2 support calcium balance. Deficiencies of these nutrients can lead to decreased bone mass, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Research shows that vitamin D and K supplementation may help improve gum disease.
Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and promote the production of pro-resolving mediators like resolvins, compounds that protect tissues and support periodontal healing. Omega-3s also inhibit harmful periodontal bacteria and enzymes linked to gum disease, and when used with nonsurgical periodontal therapy, they have shown beneficial effects in patients with periodontitis.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an antioxidant that declines with age and medications such as statins. Low CoQ10 levels in gum tissue have been linked to periodontal disease. CoQ10 supplementation, alongside standard oral hygiene, may reduce inflammation and improve key markers such as plaque and bleeding.
Probiotics support oral health by modulating the oral microbiome and reducing inflammation. Strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have antimicrobial activity against harmful oral pathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis. Probiotics may help reduce halitosis (bad breath) and improve periodontal health by reducing bleeding and promoting bacterial balance.
Zinc is naturally found in the oral cavity, including saliva, dental plaque, and tooth structures. Supplementing with zinc supports oral conditions such as gingivitis, tooth decay, and aphthous ulcers.
B vitamins improve collagen production, support tissue repair, and reduce oxidative stress in the gums. Low levels of B vitamins are linked to increased risk of periodontitis, especially in older adults, whereas higher levels are associated with improved outcomes.
There is a powerful connection between oral and brain health that we should not ignore. As research continues, it’s evident that supporting good oral health through regular care, good nutrition, and essential nutrients can benefit our smiles and our minds.
