Maintaining your oral health is essential for more than just showing off your pearly white smile. Having great oral health plays a significant role in their overall health, from cardiovascular health to their cognitive functions. There are studies that show there’s a strong link between oral health and cognitive function, meaning that a happy healthy mouth can support a healthy mind. We will delve deeper into the connection and offer easy tips and tricks for maintaining oral health to promote cognitive wellness.
The Connection Between Oral Health and Cognitive Function
1. Inflammation and Cognitive Decline
Chronic inflammation is very common between poor oral health and cognitive decline. If you have any oral health conditions like periodontitis or severe gum disease this can cause inflammation in the mouth and can spread throughout your body. This inflammation is linked to various forms of cognitive impairment including Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Inflammation and soreness in the mouth can lead to an increased production of your inflammatory markers, such as your C-reactive protein and cytokines, these markers have been found in higher levels of individuals with a cognitive decline.
2. Bacterial Infections and the Brain
Your mouth houses millions of bacteria, some are very beneficial and some are potentially harmful. If you neglect your oral health, the harmful bacteria can exponentially increase and cause infections such as gum disease. These harmful bacteria can enter your body and bloodstream through the gums and travel to other vital parts of your body including your brain. A great example would be Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacterium associated with periodontitis. This has been found in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, thus seeing a role in the disease’s development.
3. Vascular Health and Cognitive Function
Having excellent oral health can contribute to your cardiovascular health, this will support cognitive function. Poor oral health can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, which means that your arteries and other cardiovascular conditions increase the risk of chronic inflammation and bacterial infections. Your brain heavily relies on healthy blood to function to its best ability, any impairment in your cardiovascular health can negatively impact your cognitive abilities.
4. Nutritional Implications
If you have any missing teeth or painful gums it may be hard for you to eat a balanced diet which will affect your oral health, which will affect your cognitive function. Eating a poor diet can result in numerous nutrient deficiencies. Your body needs a variety of essential nutrients that are crucial for maintaining optimal brain health. Some important nutrients your brain and body need are vitamins B12 and D, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Maintaining excellent oral health can make sure that you can consume a varied and nutritious diet, supporting your brain’s function overall.
Practical Tips for Maintaining Oral Health
1. Brush and Floss Regularly
The two best tools to maintain your oral health are through brushing and flossing. You want to brush your teeth two times a day with fluoridated toothpaste and floss daily to remove the hard-to-reach plaque and food particles that can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Proper brushing techniques are crucial to improve the effectiveness of the brush, you want to brush for at least two minutes and reach all surfaces of the teeth and your gums.
2. Schedule Regular Dental Check-Ups
Routine dental checkups are essential for not only maintaining your optimal oral health but also detecting and preventing any future issues. Visiting Downtown Sleep Dentistry & Oral Surgery twice a year for professional cleanings and examinations will allow us to identify any potential problems early on and provide the appropriate treatments to prevent further complications.
3. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy products will support your oral and cognitive health. By limiting your sugar intake of snacks, beverages and candy can decrease the risk of tooth decay. Instead, opt for foods that are high in fibre like apples and carrots. These two snacks are naturally sweet and they can clean your teeth and stimulate saliva production, which neutralizes the acids in your mouth.
4. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated by drinking your daily intake of water is essential for oral health. By drinking water it can help wash away any food particles and bacteria away, thus reducing the risk of plaque buildup. It helps maintain saliva production which helps neutralize the acids and helps protect your tooth enamel.
5. Avoid Tobacco and Limit Alcohol
Tobacco, cigarettes and excessive alcohol consumption can have tremendous effects on your oral health. Smoking and chewing tobacco dramatically increases the risk of gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancer. Alcohol can dehydrate your mouth and contribute to gum disease and tooth decay. Even though for some individuals it may be hard to quit smoking and alcohol consumption, it can drastically improve oral health and overall health.
6. Use Fluoride
Fluoride is a great mineral that can help prevent cavities and to strengthen your teeth. Fluoride can be found in your local tap water (please contact your local city to see if your water is fluoridated). If your water doesn’t contain fluoride, using toothpaste with fluoride or going to the dentist and having fluoride treatments there would be sufficient!
The link between oral health and cognitive function underscores the importance of comprehensive dental care. By maintaining your oral hygiene, you can reduce the risk of systemic inflammation, bacterial infections, and nutritional deficiencies that contribute to cognitive decline. Attending regular dental care routines at Downtown Sleep Dentistry & Oral Surgery and maintaining a healthy diet are all vital steps in promoting both oral and cognitive health.
In conclusion, a healthy mouth truly supports a healthy mind. By understanding and addressing the connections between oral health and cognitive function, we can take preventative measures to protect and enhance our overall well-being. Be sure to keep your hygiene up by brushing and flossing and both your smile and your brain will be thankful!
Trust Downtown Sleep Dentistry for All of Your Wisdom Teeth Removal Needs
For more information about having your wisdom teeth removed, contact Downtown Sleep Dentistry & Oral Surgery at 289-272-8463 or book an appointment here. We look forward to hearing from you!
