Can bacteria in our mouth cause long-term health problems? Research says yes.

Over the past few decades, experts worldwide have revealed just how integral the mouth-body connection is to our health. Especially for diabetic, pregnant, and overweight patients, troubled oral health can cause a huge variety of health complications, including heart disease.

There are many reasons why keeping your mouth healthy can also keep your body healthy. Although it’s tempting to think that eating food is the main reason our mouths are so important to our health, keep in mind that over 700 species of bacteria can live in our mouths.

And, recently, researchers have discovered that a few of them are responsible for the acceleration of Alzheimer’s disease.

In a 2019 study published in Science Advances, gum disease — or gingivitis — may be connected to Alzheimer’s. Scientists previously discovered that bacteria can move from the mouth to the brain. Once in the brain, bacteria release enzymes called gingipains that can destroy nerve cells, which in turn can lead to memory loss and eventually Alzheimer’s.

In the study, they found evidence by looking at the process in human brains, examining the brains of 53 deceased people who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. They found high levels of gingipain in almost all of them. They also found that gingipain tended to rise over time, which suggests there could be a tipping point when symptoms start showing up.

No matter how busy you are with running your business, don’t wait to take care of your teeth! AFEUSA provides members access to purchase discounted dental care with Careington — for only $20 a month, you can afford the dental/vision/hearing services you need. Join AFEUSA today for more information!