Even if a strong smile seems nice, you may value a healthy mind more. That’s a natural feeling – things like memory and focus do a lot to define a person’s identity. Still, you don’t have to choose between a sharp grin and sharp thinking; getting one helps you get the other. That said, here’s a primer on the link between oral and brain health, why it exists, and how to take advantage of it.
Oral Health & Brain Health Relate?
A healthy grin won’t just help you feel more confident, though it should do that. It’ll also contribute to a sound mind by improving your brain health.
This finding comes from a 2023 study published in Neurology® – the American Academy of Neurology’s medical journal. Based on their research, the study authors found that gum disease and tooth loss were linked to brain shrinkage in the hippocampus. Damage to this brain region is known to gravely harm memory and contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. Given that fact, it seems a patient’s oral health can impact the quality of their brain’s health.
What Connects Your Mouth & Brain?
While the study didn’t claim oral health directly affects the brain, that’s the natural conclusion to have. There’s reason to believe your smile’s condition affects how your gray matter is faring.
This recent study supports the theory that inflammation connects the mouth and brain. After all, it’s already known gum disease bacteria can spread to a person’s other organs. Those same microbes could reach brain tissue and inflame it, causing its mass to shrink. This shrinkage would then cause a decline in memory and similar effects.
How to Keep Your Mouth & Brain Healthy
If the above research holds, you can keep your mouth and brain healthy at once. Just remember to do the following:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene – With twice-daily brushing and once-daily flossing, you’ll avoid cavities and gum disease. That means such issues won’t threaten your brain.
- Don’t Smoke – Tobacco products raise your risk of gum disease, which would harm your brain. Giving them up would be a blessing for your grin and your mind.
- Get Dental Checkups – With regular dental checkups and cleanings, your smile should stay safe. Your brain tissue would then avoid nasty inflammation.
Even now, the link between oral and brain health is still a recent discovery. Feel free to consult your dentist to learn more about it and why it matters!
About the Practice
The amazing Allure Dental Boutique is based in Lutz, FL. Led by Dr. Shabnam Tehrani, our practice promises to give each patient the best smile care possible! That means we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, all tailored to your mouth and its unique needs. This setup lets us make your grin truly healthy and gorgeous for years to come. For more details or to book a visit, please reach us on our website or by phone at (813)-751-3044.