Dr Alp Kantarci, an expert in oral health and dementia from Harvard University, has shared a simple four-minute activity that can help to reduce the risk of the neurodegenerative condition
A leading health specialist is ringing the alarm bells, urging everyone to spare just four minutes a day on a simple exercise that could slash their dementia risk.
Chatting with ZOE Health’s co-founder Jonathan Wolf, Dr Alp Kantarci touted the virtues of brushing your teeth for two minutes each morning and evening. Dr Kantarci occupies an esteemed role at the Forsyth Institute – a stand-alone research body delving into the relationship between oral health and general wellness – and is also part of Harvard University School of Dental Medicine’s teaching staff.
With a remarkable CV that includes over 190 peer-reviewed scholarly articles and upwards of 170 talks at dental and medical conferences, Dr Kantarci is not only a scientist and dentist but also a researcher specialising in oral health, a periodontist, and a dental implant surgeon extraordinaire.
In a chat on ZOE’s podcast, Jonathan Wolf explored with Dr Kantarci the ties between the health of one’s oral cavity and dementia. This conversation is timely as studies illustrate links between more than 50 systemic ailments, like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and heart disease, to dental conditions.
Dr Kantarci cautioned: “If you neglect your oral health, you increase your risk of heart disease, your diabetes, your dementia, and your other diseases anywhere in your body.”
The link between poor oral hygiene and an elevated chance of developing dementia has emerged through research findings, reports the Express.
Emerging research is pointing to a worrying connection between dental woes, particularly gum disease or periodontitis, and a heightened risk of dementia. Our mouths are teeming with bacteria, most of which are benign.
Yet, some culprits like Porphyromonas gingivalis wreak havoc by causing gum disease. Alarmingly, higher levels of these harmful bacteria have been detected in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.
The troublesome bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis doesn’t just stay put in the mouth; it can hitch a ride through the bloodstream to the brain. There, it secretes enzymes called gingipains that can annihilate nerve cells, potentially sparking inflammation and contributing to memory loss and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s.
An article titled “Evidence summary: the relationship between oral health and dementia” suggests that subpar oral health could be linked to an increased chance of cognitive impairment, though more studies are needed to confirm this across different contexts. Moreover, losing teeth might also be a red flag for cognitive decline and dementia.
A thorough review encompassing 14 studies with over 34,000 participants revealed a startling statistic: those experiencing tooth loss were about 1.5 times more likely to encounter cognitive impairment.
Neglecting dental hygiene can have dire consequences, leading to a bacterial buildup on teeth that causes gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums. Left unchecked, this can escalate into periodontitis, a chronic infection where bacteria continually provoke immune responses and inflammation.
While there’s some evidence suggesting a connection between poor oral health and dementia, experts emphasize that bad oral hygiene isn’t a stand-alone cause of the condition, insisting more research is required.
The Harvard specialist on the subject stressed the importance of comprehensive oral care: “Teeth are only one part of the equation. You have to not only clean the teeth or have the teeth become very shiny, but you also have to clean up the gums that are actually around your teeth, which is very important.”
He went on to advise on additional measures: “You also have to clean your tongue, for instance, after you brush your teeth because the tongue is also a big reservoir for a lot of the bacteria that can actually create a lot of problems for your oral health and your systemic health.”
What’s a good brushing routine?
Upholding oral wellbeing through regular brushing, cleaning the tongue, flossing, and the use of mouthwash isn’t merely about maintaining a sparkling smile – it’s crucial for preserving overall health and could play a role in diminishing the risk of developing dementia.
To ward off gum disease and the potential risk of cognitive decline it poses, a steadfast routine of oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, is essential. Regular trips to the dentist are also critical, particularly for the older population, to catch and handle oral health problems early.
Wondering what constitutes an effective brushing routine? Dr Kantarci says: “Make sure that you’re not skipping the evening brushing. That’s very important. Because you cannot skip that because your saliva flow goes the lowest at night when you’re sleeping. So the lubricating function is not there anymore. So don’t skip the evening brushing.”
He adds: “Brushing in the morning is also important. And then in the midday, if you can brush yes. Flossing at least once a day, preferably before you go to bed, because you don’t want any carbohydrates to get stuck between your teeth, so that the bacteria cannot really breed on them.”
What is dementia?
Dementia is understood as a spectrum of brain conditions causing trouble with memory, thinking, and undertaking daily tasks. Although not an inevitable part of ageing, its occurrence does increase with age.
Symptoms include:
- Forgetting things or recent events
- Getting lost when walking or driving
- Difficulty solving problems or making decisions
- Difficulty following conversations or finding the right word
- Changes in behaviour, such as becoming anxious, irritable, or sad
