Effects of Oral and Dental Health on the Brain
Did you know that oral health is not limited to just teeth and gums, but is also critical for overall health? Studies, especially in recent years, have shown that oral health also has a major impact on brain health. Specialist Dentist and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Prof. Dr. Birkan Taha Özkan, draws attention to the effects of oral health on brain health.
Gum Disease and Dementia Risk
Scientific studies conducted in 2024 show that individuals with gum disease dementia provides remarkable findings about the risk of gum disease. Gum diseases not only result in tooth loss, but also create inflammation in the body, which threatens brain health. Especially Porphyromonas gingivalis It has been scientifically proven that bacteria trigger the formation of amyloid plaques that cause Alzheimer's.
According to research, it has been observed that memory performance decreases by 35% and attention span decreases by 28% in individuals who experience tooth loss. This shows how important oral health is not only for physical but also mental health.
Negative Effects of Teeth Grinding on the Brain
Habits such as clenching and grinding teeth (bruxism) have negative effects on brain health. Prof. Dr. Özkan states that by actively using the jaw muscles during chewing, more blood is pumped into the brain, strengthening memory and attention span. However, it should not be forgotten that excessive teeth clenching reverses this benefit and negatively affects brain functions.
The Role of Oral Health in Brain Health
Maintaining oral and dental health is a critical factor for brain health. Here are some important things to consider to maintain oral health:
- Regular Dentist Checkups: Visit your dentist at least twice a year. Early diagnosis plays a major role in preventing gum disease.
- Treatment of Missing Teeth: Replace your missing teeth with implants or appropriate treatment methods. This will not only protect your oral health but also improve your overall health.
- Treatment of Decayed Teeth: Prevent bigger problems by having your rotten teeth treated on time.
- Dental Tartar Cleaning: To prevent gum disease from progressing, have your teeth cleaned. This process helps you maintain your gum health.
- Brushing and Flossing: Brush your teeth for 2 minutes in the morning and evening, and improve your oral hygiene by using dental floss and a tongue scraper.
- Sugar-free gum chewing: Chewing sugar-free gum for 10 minutes a day can reduce the risk of dementia by 17%.
- Chin Exercises: Support your brain functions by doing jaw exercises. These exercises strengthen your jaw muscles and contribute to your brain health.
Strengthen Brain Functions by Protecting Dental Health
By taking care of your oral health, you can protect not only your teeth but also your brain. A healthy mouth is essential for a healthy mind. Don't forget to integrate the methods mentioned above into your life to protect your brain health and prevent neurological diseases that may occur in later ages.
Your oral health is a reflection of your overall health, so take care of your teeth and gums and visit your dentist regularly.
