A Simple Brushing Routine Could Reduce Dementia Risk, Dental Health Experts Say
NEWNow you can listen to News articles!
Brushing your teeth can do more than brighten your smile—it can also help you live longer.
A growing body of research suggests that good oral hygiene is linked to a reduced risk of serious diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
At the annual conference of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), which took place in Arizona last week, a group of researchers explored this evidence and called the mouth a “gateway to overall health.”
3 SIMPLE LIFESTYLE CHANGES COULD ADD NEARLY A DECADE TO YOUR LIFE, RESEARCH SHOWS
During the event, titled “The Mouth as a Gateway to Overall Health,” panelists from medical schools across the United States discussed how the mouth was once considered a separate entity from the rest of the body.
“However, researchers now know that the oral cavity and the body are deeply interconnected,” states the synopsis of the presentation on the AAAS website.
Recent research suggests that better oral hygiene may reduce the risk of serious diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. (iStock)
The panelists noted that previous research suggests that the oral cavity can influence the health of other organs, including the joints, brain and intestine, according to Euro News.
Panelist Alpdogan Kantarci, a professor at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, reportedly said during the event, “We now believe that maintaining healthy teeth may be associated with a reduced risk of more than 50 systemic conditions.”
SLEEP PATTERNS COULD PREDICT RISK OF DEMENTIA, CANCER AND STROKE, STUDY SUGGESTS
“Research now shows that in people with mild or moderate disease, those who brush and care for their teeth or visit a dentist and have advanced cleanings show much better cognitive responses,” he added.
Gum disease can cause ongoing inflammation that can increase the risk of cognitive problems, experts say. (iStock)
Presenters discussed how periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that worsens with age, affects the bone and tissues that support teeth.
The condition causes “ongoing inflammation and progressive damage,” triggering immune responses and increasing the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and dementia.
Oral health and longevity.
Research from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, published in The Lancet, Health Longevity, in 2024, concluded that oral health should be considered an “integral component of the overall health system and an important factor in accessing aging.”
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“Oral health conditions could be potential risk factors for physical frailty or functional disability,” the authors stated. “The importance of oral health for overall well-being and longevity should be emphasized.”
Additional research published in the journal Neurology in 2023 found that people with good dental hygiene had better memory, while gum disease and tooth loss were linked to less gray matter in the brain and less decline in mental health.
“From a preventive health perspective, brushing three times a day helps control the bacterial biofilm that fuels gum disease and chronic inflammation,” said one dentist. (iStock)
The role of daily brushing
Dr. Michael J. Wei, DDS, a cosmetic and restorative dentist in New York City, confirmed that brushing your teeth more frequently has numerous benefits.
“From a preventive health perspective, brushing three times a day helps control the bacterial biofilm that fuels gum disease and chronic inflammation,” he told News Digital. “Inflammation in the mouth does not remain isolated: it can influence cardiovascular health, metabolic function and immune balance.”
When plaque is disturbed throughout the day, the body’s inflammatory triggers are reduced, Wei said.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
“Over time, reducing that burden can contribute to healthier aging and a reduced risk of systemic disease,” he said. “Small, disciplined daily habits often have the biggest long-term impact.”
Although maintaining adequate oral health is not “guaranteed protection” against dementia, Wei considers it “a significant way to reduce modifiable risk factors.”
“Protecting gum health is part of supporting overall brain health,” one dentist told News Digital. (iStock)
Brushing your teeth, flossing, performing routine dental cleanings, and addressing issues like jaw grinding or clenching “all help reduce inflammation and prevent long-term damage,” she added.
Technique matters
Experts warn that brushing too much or too aggressively can cause different complications.
“Brushing your teeth too aggressively or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause enamel wear, gum recession and tooth sensitivity,” Wei said. “Balance comes down to frequency combined with proper technique, using an electric or soft-bristled toothbrush, and gentle, controlled strokes.”
TRY OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Dr. Richard Lipari, a cosmetic and general dentist at Lipari & Mangiameli Dentistry in Chappaqua, New York, agreed that brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled brush and gentle pressure is enough for proper oral health and hygiene.
“Oral care should be considered a central component of preventive medicine,” said one dentist. (iStock)
“Brushing your teeth a third time a day is fine as long as it’s done gently and correctly,” he told News Digital. “Think of it as massaging your teeth and gums, not rubbing them.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE News APP
Dr. Luis R. Dominicis Jr., DDS, associate vice president of dental services at AltaMed Health Services in California, recommends scheduling a routine dental checkup and asking about proper brushing and flossing.
“Ask which toothbrush and toothpaste are best for you and if there are signs of gum recession or enamel wear,” he advised in an interview with News Digital. “Following the recommended treatment plan can help you maintain a healthy mouth and support your overall well-being.”
Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for News Digital.