Sunday, September 1, 2013

Periodontal Disease Could Lead To Dementia

Everyone, including your Fountain Valley Dentist, knows that gum disease can cause serious problems, but recent research is proving that there may be a direct link between Alzheimer’s disease and poor dental health.

A recent study conducted by the University of Central Lancashire in the United Kingdom has discovered that people who have gum disease and poor oral health could be at a much higher risk when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease. When the brains of patients who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia were examined, they discovered Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is a bacteria or bug that has long been associated with people who suffer from periodontal disease.

The study took 10 brain samples from dementia patients and 10 samples from people who did not suffer from the disease. The Porphyromonas gingivalis was only present in the brains of the patients who had been afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease.

Your Orange County Dentist is well aware that the bacteria lurking inside your oral cavities will eventually enter your bloodstream from eating, chewing, brushing, and flossing. Every time the Porphyromonas gingivalis enters the brain, it could actually release excess chemicals that could kill your brains neurons. Once that happens it could cause Alzheimer’s symptoms like memory loss and confusion according to the study.

Brushing twice and flossing once a day is essential for healthy teeth and gums as is regularly scheduled appointments with your Dentist in the OC.

During your check-up with Hagen Dental, you will be given a thorough dental exam. The comprehensive exam will include x-rays, oral cancer screening and gum disease evaluation. Your Fountain Valley Dentist will also look for tooth decay and make sure that your restorations are still doing their job.

After your x-rays, your OC Dentist will diagnose your radiographs looking for bone loss, cysts, tumors, and tooth decay. The x-rays will also help your Hagen Dental determine your root and tooth positioning.  

If your Fountain Valley Dentist detects gingivitis or periodontal disease, Dr. Hagen will schedule a professional deep cleaning or scaling and planing.


Gingivitis and Periodontal disease can be hard to detect, especially without a professional examination. If you are experiencing red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, or bleeding gums after brushing and flossing it is time to schedule a thorough dental exam with Hagen Dental. Research is still being conducted and no one knows for sure if poor oral health causes dementia, but are you willing to take that chance?