Poor Dental Care and Dementia

Poor Dental Hygiene=Risk of Dementia

Yorkshire Village assisted living facility in Hemet, CA encourages you to brush well for mental health!

We have all been taught at an early age that brushing our teeth is essential for a healthy mouth and a bright smile. But there are other reasons why daily brushing is important for your body and mind. One of these reasons is dementia . If you do not have good oral hygiene, you are at the risk of suffering tooth decay, gum disease, periodontitis and more. If left untreated, these dental health problems can progress to more serious, life-threatening conditions.

Did you know that you can also have brain-related problems when you neglect your oral health care? Yes, studies have found a link between poor oral health and poor brain health. What does that mean for you? Your oral health can affect your mental hygiene, which is probably one of the most dangerous side effects of bad dental hygiene.

Not sure if you have poor oral health?

Here are some examples of poor oral hygiene:

• Bad brushing habits
• Ignoring floss
• Grinding your teeth
• Eating a lot of sweets
• Smoking or chewing tobacco 

just to name a few!

Link between Oral and Mental Health

Researchers have found that there is a strong link between brushing and flossing and cognitive disease. This is because the bacteria that cause gum disease can reach the brain and destroy neurons, damage nerve cells and cause possible memory loss.

In fact, there are many nerve endings in the oral cavity that arrive from the brain. For example, the trigeminal nerve is a cranial nerve that connects your teeth, gums, jaw and more. As a result, untreated dental infection can quickly become a brain infection. This occurs when a tooth infection spreads through the bloodstream, which carries the bacteria directly to the brain. At this point, the pathogen attacks the neurons found in the brain, putting the person at risk of memory loss and other life-altering problems. In severe cases, a brain abscess can develop. This is a rare condition in which pus enters the brain.

Poor Oral Health and Dementia

Dementia is a very common condition that causes memory loss. And it is one of the most common brain diseases caused by poor dental hygiene. In some cases, memory loss caused by dementia can be so severe that it affects daily functioning. Although dementia often occurs in old age, it can occur very quickly if there are oral health problems involved.

How Poor Oral Health Causes Dementia?

• Gum Diseases and Dementia 

Did you know that you are more likely to get dementia if you have gum disease? In fact, many studies have found a connection between gum disease and cognitive decline and a direct link between periodontal disease and dementia. Some studies even suggest that gum disease may be the cause of Alzheimer's. If you have gingivitis, the early stages of gum disease, consult your dentist.

• Tooth Infection and Memory Loss

Dental infections can lead to memory loss when the infection spreads to the brain. When your cavity reaches the root of the tooth, the infection damages the nerves and blood vessels, which connect directly to the brain. Stop the spread of infection by maintaining good oral hygiene and make sure to visit your dentist regularly.

• Dementia due to Tooth Loss

A mouth full of teeth is less likely to develop dementia later in life. Studies show that tooth loss and dementia are linked. While the reason for the connection remains unknown, there is a link between these two diseases for sure. If you have lost a lot of teeth over the years, you may be at greater risk of developing this brain disease.

Appropriate interventions for Maintaining Good Oral Health

Proper dental intervention depends on the patient's needs, preferences and the concept of good oral health. At the end of the day, for older people with Alzheimer's disease, important considerations will always include a long life of treatment effect, nutritional relief, maintenance of digestive function, and prevention of inevitable dental disease. Other considerations include access to care, existing medical conditions, and financial status.

Help Your Loved One with Dental Hygiene

If you know someone diagnosed with Alzheimer's in your family, or group of friends, who also has dental issues, then that person needs special care. In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, most people can brush their teeth. Later, they will likely need help. They may be scared and do not want to cooperate. They may even become combative. But you can do other things to make it easier to take care of yourself. When cleaning and checking their mouth and teeth, start gently. Move and speak slowly. You may want to talk to them for a while and then explain to them what you need to do. Let them know that you will do your best not to cause them pain. Tell them to inform you if you are doing something painful, and stop immediately if they complain.

Yorkshire Village Memory Care in Hemet, CA understands the importance of personalized care, head to toe.

While many of us may not consider everything that may possibly play a role in our mental health, here at Yorkshire Village assisted living, we honestly do. It’s one of many ways we are able to offer the best-personalized care for our residents. We invite you to call/contact us today at Yorkshire Village assisted living facility to schedule a visit to our beautiful facility and see firsthand what sets us apart from other assisted living facilities. Have a great day, and we look forward to hearing from you.