Hot off the presses in the August 2012 issue of The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society: A study demonstrates a link between lack of daily toothbrushing and increased risk of dementia. "(Patients) who reported not brushing their teeth daily had a 22% to 65% greater risk of dementia than those who brushed three times daily." And the risk seems greater for males than females. The authors caution that the statistical link is not the same as poor oral hygiene causing dementia, and the finding is interesting nonetheless. I look forward to more studies investigating this potentially significant link between oral hygiene and dementia.
Online citation: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2012.04064.x/abstract
Regular dental check ups and good dental hygiene may help to prevent periodontal disease. A healthy diet also plays a role in slowing the progress of the disease. Avoiding simple sugars, eating plenty of whole grains and other high fiber foods, and thoroughly chewing food are important preventive measures. Click here to read more about Gum disease treatment
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