Why Brushing Your Teeth is Good For Your Mind

• Poor oral health is linked to increased risk of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
• A study of 172 Japanese people found that those with tooth loss or gum disease had more shrinking in the hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in memory.
• The researchers say that this could be due to a number of factors, including nutritional deficiencies, chemical imbalances, or changes to the brain that affect brain function.
• Other studies have found that for each lost tooth, people on average have a 1.1% higher risk of dementia.
• It is important to maintain good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing twice daily.
• This can help to reduce the risk of tooth loss and gum disease, which could in turn reduce the risk of dementia.

Here are some additional points from the text:

• The link between poor oral health and dementia is not yet fully understood.
• It is possible that the bacteria that cause gum disease can also enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain, where they can cause inflammation.
• People with dementia may also be less likely to brush their teeth regularly, which could further increase their risk of tooth loss and gum disease.

Overall, the text provides strong evidence that poor oral health is a risk factor for dementia. By maintaining good oral hygiene, you can help to reduce your risk of developing this serious condition.