Flossing May Protect Against Cognitive Decline, Research Finds

(CNN) – Flossing is not only important in keeping your dentist happy, it can also protect against cognitive decline.

Good oral health habits like brushing and flossing can prevent cognitive impairment and dementia, according to new analysis by NYU researchers Rory Meyers College of Nursing.

“Given the overwhelming number of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia each year, and the potential to improve oral health throughout life, it is important to better understand the link between poor oral health and cognitive decline, ”Bei Wu., NYU professor of global health at NYU’s Rory Meyers College of Nursing and lead author of the study, said in a statement.

The researchers analyzed 14 studies of tooth loss and cognitive impairment conducted over a long period of time, involving a total of 34,074 adults and 4,689 cases of people with reduced cognitive function.

The results showed that adults with more tooth loss had a 1.48 times higher risk of cognitive impairment and 1.28 times higher risk of dementia, even when other factors were controlled.

And with each additional missing tooth, the risk of cognitive impairment increases, according to analysis published in JAMDA: The Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine.

Adults who lost their teeth were more likely to have cognitive decline if they didn’t have dentures, the new research also found.

“We need to think about raising awareness of the importance of oral health, and we also need to think about preventative treatment and dentures,” Wu told CNN.

Dentures are important because they allow patients to maintain a healthy diet, as well as provide “the confidence to smile naturally,” according to Dr. James Wilson, president of the American Academy of Periodontology, who was not affiliated in the study.

“Being able to follow a normal diet is extremely important to a person’s physical health,” Wilson said via email. “The positive self-image that dentures provide to the patient also improves their mental health. “

Healthy mouth, healthier brain

The analysis offered several explanations for these links between poor oral health and poor brain health, including the problem of missing teeth, which can impact chewing, limiting options for healthy eating and may even result in the loss of key nutrients for brain health. The scan also found evidence that oral inflammation is linked to brain inflammation and cognitive impairment.

“Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss and can also increase the risk of developing other health complications,” Wilson added.

“Inflammation resulting from gum disease has been linked to other disease states, including cardiovascular disease, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease.”

Previous studies have also found links between P. gingivalis – the bacteria associated with gum disease – and Alzheimer’s disease, Wilson told CNN.

Socioeconomics play a role

The NYU-led analysis also noted that tooth loss could reflect “lifelong socio-economic disadvantages, such as limited access and quality of medical and dental care, less years of education and poor nutrition ”.

“Income and education are very much linked to oral health, possibly even more than many other chronic diseases, especially due to the lack of dental insurance for many people,” Wu said.

Wu added that these oral health disparities are particularly significant in the United States, where the healthcare system is complicated to navigate and where many people do not have access to dental care as part of their health insurance. or have to pay dental fees. of pocket.

She said the scan should serve as a reminder – to governments and ordinary citizens – of the importance of maintaining good oral health from an early age through adulthood.

The American Dental Association and the AAP also say that preventative care and regular dental check-ups are important to protect teeth from cavities and guard against gum disease.

“Gum disease is preventable with daily brushing and flossing and routine visits to a dental health professional,” Wilson added. “Patients should also expect to receive a complete periodontal evaluation on an annual basis.”

This story first appeared on CNN.com Flossing May Protect Against Cognitive Decline, Research Finds