Why gum disease is bad for your health



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  • New study finds link between Alzheimer's disease and Porphyromonas gingivalis, a type of bacterium badociated with gum disease, reported CBS News.
  • Some scientists have stated that more research is needed to understand this new discovery.
  • But two dentists told INSIDER that there are other reasons why gum disease can be harmful to one's health.
  • Half of Americans over the age of 30 are suffering from a gum disease that, when not controlled, can result in tooth loss.
  • Gum disease has also been badociated with other diseases such as heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

New research suggests that a type of bacterium involved in gum disease could play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease.

The study, sponsored by the private pharmaceutical company Cortexyme, Inc., was published in the journal Science Advances, reported CBS News on Thursday.

The researchers examined the brains of deceased people with Alzheimer's disease and found evidence of the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), a type of bacterium badociated with gum disease. They also found traces of gingipain, toxic enzymes produced by the bacteria, in brain samples of people with Alzheimer's disease, Science Magazine reported.

They also conducted an experiment on mice, infecting their gums with Pg. Later, they detected the bacteria and higher than normal levels of beta-amyloid (a protein badociated with Alzheimer's disease) in the brain of the mouse. During other experiments on mice, the researchers tested a drug designed to target and inhibit gingipaines. The drug helped reduce the amount of Pg bacteria and block the production of beta-amyloid in the brains of mice.

"The results of this study provide evidence that Porphyromonas gingivalis and gingipain in the brain play a central role in the pathogenesis [Alzheimer’s disease], providing a new conceptual framework for the treatment of the disease, "wrote the authors.

Experts who did not participate in the new study interpreted the results cautiously, calling for more research. Nevertheless, two dentists told INSIDER that gum disease could have other adverse effects on health.

Other experts weighed in on new findings

The causes of Alzheimer's disease are still not fully understood, according to the CDC.
Ben Margot / AP

Some previous studies support the idea of ​​a link between oral health and Alzheimer's disease. CBS News cited two specific studies in its report. One of them dating back to 2017 revealed that people with gum disease for 10 years were at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. A small 2016 study of people with mild-to-moderate dementia showed a link between gum disease and higher rates of cognitive decline.

But, in response to the new study, some scientists have stated that there is still not enough evidence to say that microbes such as Pg were the cause of Alzheimer's disease.

"The idea that bacteria and viruses may play a role in brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease is not necessarily new," Dr. Rebecca Edelmayer told CBS News, Director of Scientific Engagement of the Alzheimer's Association. "But what this document suggests is really an badociation and not a causal link … It is necessary to continue research to really identify the causative role of microbes."

"I totally agree that this microbe could be a contributing factor, I am much less convinced that [it] Alzheimer's disease, "neurobiologist Robert Moir of Mbadachusetts General Hospital told Science Magazine.

And Dr. James Pickett, head of research at the Alzheimer Society of the United Kingdom, told CNN that although the new study suggests that Pg infection could damage brain cells, "it does not exist yet. clear evidence that it can cause this damage in humans or result in Alzheimer's. "

Edelmayer also told CBS News that it was too early to say whether quality oral care could help prevent Alzheimer's disease.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), scientists still do not fully understand the cause of Alzheimer's disease. At present, the most known risk factor for the disease is age.

There are other reasons to keep your gums safe

Bleeding gums can be a harbinger of gum disease.
Algirdas Gelazius / Shutterstock

New research aside, dentists have long known that gum disease can wreak havoc on the mouth. This is also very common: according to the CDC, nearly half of American adults over the age of 30 have a type of gum disease.

"Honestly, with teeth, everyone thinks that the number one problem is decay, but it's actually a gum disease," INSIDER dentist Dr. Nammy Patel, owner of Green Dentistry at San Francisco.

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in the right place. This is usually due to poor oral hygiene, which allows the plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, to accumulate on the teeth. In the advanced stages of gum disease, the plaque spreads below the gum line, causing an inflammatory reaction in which the tissues and bones that support the teeth are broken down, according to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). ). The gums may begin to spread teeth, creating open pockets that become infected. Ultimately, this can lead to tooth loss.

Although early gum disease often has no symptoms, the AAP notes that signs may include red, swollen, painful, or bleeding gums; the gums recede or detach from the teeth; persistent bad breath; pus between the gums and teeth and sores in the mouth.

Read more: A dentist explains how to prevent cavities

In some research, gum disease has even been badociated with systemic health problems.

"Studies have been conducted for years and years, linking gum disease to a wide variety of problems, such as heart disease, premature babies with low birth weight and rheumatoid arthritis," said INSIDER dentist Dr. Harold Katz, founder of the California Breath Clinics. .

There are also other potentially troubling links. A study published last October revealed a link between gum disease and high blood pressure. another published last January reported a link between gum disease and a high cancer risk.

You can prevent gum disease with good home care

A dental hygienist demonstrates an appropriate technique for brushing teeth.
JASON CONNOLLY / AFP / Getty Images

To prevent gum disease, you must brush your teeth at least twice a day, said Patel.

Flossing once a day is also part of "regular homework" to keep the gums healthy, Katz said, but if you do not like flossing and have trouble doing it regularly Patel suggested instead trying a water flosser.

"She sucks water between her teeth," she said. "It's pretty fantastic to use too."

The CDC also recommends that you have a dental examination at least once a year, or more often if you have certain risk factors for gum disease (such as smoking, family history, diabetes, taking drugs that cause dry skin mouth, pregnancy, etc.).

During an examination, dentists can use a combination of visual examination, x-ray and an instrument called probe to detect the signs of gum disease, Patel explained.

Most importantly, both dentists have emphasized the importance of paying attention to oral health.

"The most important thing I can say is: make sure to take care of your mouth," said Patel. "The new trend really has to show how important the health of the mouth is for the whole body."

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