Gum disease (or periodontal disease) begins with bacterial growth in your mouth and may end, if left untreated, with tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth and with destruction of the bone that supports your teeth. It is hard to believe that gum disease is quite common in older people as it affects approximately 70 % of adults aged 65+!

According to a recent small study, older adults with more harmful than healthy bacteria under their gumline are more likely to have brain amyloid, which is one of two signs of Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers explained that the bacterial imbalance causes inflammation of the gums, which leads to a gum disease. As any other inflammatory disease, it disrupts the self clearance of amyloid from the brain.

The study also looked at the possible link of bacterial gum disbalance to tau, another sign of Alzheimer, and didn’t find any connection between them. This second finding seems logical as amyloid formation takes place often decades before tau development and before any symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

The researchers believe that high levels of healthy bacteria in your mouth help maintain bacterial balance and decrease inflammation. That is why healthy gums will not only keep your teeth healthy and your breath fresh, but also contribute to additional protection from Alzheimer’s.

Curious? HERE is the source