Brushing and flossing regularly will not only keep your mouth clean and your heart healthy, but good oral hygiene will also keep your mind sharp, according to new research from Columbia university. The researchers found that people with poor oral hygiene and bleeding gums are more likely to develop memory problems linked to dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease. As the severity of the gingivitis increased, the severity of memory problems increased.

The participants of the study are aged above 60 and they were put up to many different memory testes. The study was recently published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. The researcher researched over 2,300 men and women to find out the bacteria that cause periodontitis, or periodontal disease. It is actually a severe form of gum disease, which makes the teeth loose by receding the gum.

The three word sequence couldn’t be recalled by participants who had very high level of gum disease causing bacteria. The people who had the highest level of bacteria had twice the chance of failing the memory test based on mental arithmetic.

“A growing body of evidence supports exploration of a possible association between poor oral health and dementia,” concluded the researchers. At this time, they are not sure why gum disease is linked to dementia. However, the bacteria that lurk in our oral cavities can damage arteries – and arterial damage has been linked to dementia. Incidentally, other studies show that poor oral hygiene can contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and low sperm counts! Research shows that people with gum disease are more likely to suffer from a narrowing of the arteries, which can cause high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack.

The immune system affected by the bacteria and these bacteria enters through the mouth. Immune cells attack the foreign invaders, causing inflammation. Over time, this inflammation can damage arterial walls. These attack could lead to dementia and can also create problems related to cardiovascular system. Blood carries nutrients to our organs and carries toxic substances away. When the flow of blood is impeded to a certain organ, then problems begin to arise with that organ. Inflammation and damage to arteries are caused by bacteria associated with periodontal disease and in turn this will result in Alzheimer’s disease. Memory problem and other forms of dementia can caused in the case of brain.

There also dental irrigation devices, these devices can reach pockets that cannot be reached by brushing or flossing. By following a regular routine of dementia prevention process you can one can reduce the risk of dementia. These easy exercises increase the blood flow to the brain and improves the cardiovascular fitness too. A sharp mind can be achieved by a healthy flow of blood to the brain. The point that is made here is do not forget to brush and floss your teeth regularly and especially at night.

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Blue Heron Health News is a well known publishing company in the field of natural health. Their most latest publication is a guide to natural dementia prevention.

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