Did you ever stop to think not brushing your teeth may be causing adverse damage to your heart and brain?
We all know brushing your teeth is vital for oral health. But could you imagine its neglect can cause adverse damage to your brain health? Today we will talk about UK's latest research on the link between brushing teeth and brain decay. And what you can do to protect your cognitive health
it's no secret that our brains decline as we age. While many factors contribute to this, oral health is one of the most overlooked factors.
That Plaque buildup you are ignoring for days is costing you your brain health. While Oral Hygiene was always necessary for overall health, now we know it leads to brain decay. How this becomes possible? Bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain, causing inflammation. This inflammation then leads to degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Dementia. On the other hand, structural changes in the brain are also on the plate.
Not just that, a survey initiated in the United Kingdom shows people with tooth problems face risks of heart stroke. Plaque buildup or infection carries harmful bacteria that, in turn, harden the arteries blocking them, resulting in possible strokes. The same bacteria was found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.
Other heart diseases, such as high blood pressure, are also linked to poor oral health. Issues like gum disease, missing teeth, poor brushing habits, and plaque buildup are not to be taken lightly. Maintaining oral health which takes hardly 5 minutes, could have phenomenal effects on your overall body.
The study uncovered some potential links between oral health and brain damage. They took almost 40,000 participants in the survey, who were then analyzed for 7 years (2014 to 2021). The researchers found participants prone to tooth decay showing more serious damage from a silent stroke. Silent strokes are hardly noticeable that can cause permanent damage to the brain. They even conducted MRI scans on their brains and found large amounts of white matter hyperintensities and structural damage visible on their MRI images.
The research is not clear if excellent and healthy teeth can prevent brain damage and associated heart diseases. It’s also unclear if genetics have anything to do with this. The study is still in its initial stages and more information needs to be gathered to confirm these questions.
However, if taking care of your mouth can lower your risk for stroke, it’s not that much of a hassle.
Now the question is; How can you protect your teeth and your brain?
The answer is simple, make brushing and flossing your teeth a basic routine. Visit your dentist often for regular tooth cleanings and checkups. Make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride as it helps prevent tooth decay.
Consider using an electric toothbrush, which is said to be very effective in reaching places that are rather difficult with a regular brush.
That's all for now, remember to brush twice daily, thrice even if you understand the risks involved now.
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