April 24, 2017

NEW STUDIES have found that missing teeth may increase the risk of developing dementia. In older adults, there is a direct correlation between the number of missing teeth a person has the more likely a person is to develop dementia including Alzheimer's disease. A five year study by following 1,500 senior citizens in Japan concluded:

  1. Poor chewing from an abnormal bite may reduce blood flow to the brain, resulting in the development of dementia.
  2. Problems chewing food because of tooth loss can result in a poor diet, which may increase the risk for dementia.
  3. Chronic inflammation, which can cause tooth loss, also may lead to dementia.
  4. Poor oral health may indicate poor overall health over time, and poor overall health may be a risk factor for dementia.
"The findings emphasize the clinical importance of promoting and supporting opportunities for dental care and treatment, especially in terms of maintenance of teeth from an early age for reducing the risk of dementia," the authors wrote. To read more on the study click here