Dental Health Link to Dementia Suspected

Women who take care of their teeth are at a lower risk of developing dementia, according to the results of a study in California reported today in the Daily Mail.

At first glance it is difficult to see how this might make sense, however other studies have found that those with Alzheimer’s disease have more gum disease-related bacteria in their brains than others.

The study published in the journal of the American Geriatrics Society followed women over 18 years and it found those women who brushed their teeth once a day or more had a one in 4.5 chance of developing dementia, whereas those who brushed less often than once per day had a one in 3.7 chance of developing dementia.

Like many other studies, this shows that maintaining good oral health is associated with better chances of avoiding some of the most common diseases, and reinforces our message that regular visits to the dentist and hygienist are an essential investment in your teeth and general health.