Emerging research indicates a potential correlation between maintaining good dental hygiene and preserving brain health, particularly in reducing the risk of dementia. A study published in Neurology found individuals with healthy teeth and gums exhibited a higher neuron count in the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for memory function.

Conversely, the study linked gum disease and tooth loss to reduced gray matter and a decline in mental well-being. Lead author Dr. Satoshi Yamaguchi of Tohoku University emphasized the importance of not just keeping teeth, but ensuring their overall health. He noted that retaining teeth affected by severe gum disease is associated with brain atrophy, underscoring the need for regular dental checkups to monitor and manage gum health. Extractions and prosthetic replacements may be necessary in severe cases.

The study involved 172 participants with an average age of 67, who initially showed no signs of memory impairment. Researchers tracked the number of teeth, assessed gum disease severity using periodontal probing depth, and conducted brain scans to measure hippocampal volume at the start and after four years. The findings revealed a correlation between fewer teeth and faster brain shrinkage in the left hippocampus, especially in individuals with mild gum disease. This area of the brain is essential for verbal memory and language. A similar link was observed in those with severe gum disease and a higher number of teeth.

Chewing itself promotes blood and oxygen circulation to the brain, contributing to its overall health, while tooth loss can hinder healthy eating habits. The study also suggested that in cases of mild and severe gum disease, the loss or presence of one tooth corresponded to approximately one year and 1.3 years of brain aging, respectively. 

Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine, acknowledged the significance of these findings, referencing a 2020 National Institute on Aging study linking gum disease to dementia. He explained that bacteria trigger inflammation, which in turn contributes to neurodegeneration. Therefore, maintaining oral hygiene by brushing and caring for gums could potentially mitigate these risks. He also pointed out that good hygiene habits often correlate with overall self-care, which can reduce depression, another factor associated with dementia.

While the study highlights a correlation, it doesn't definitively establish causation between gum disease, tooth loss, and Alzheimer's. Dr. Yamaguchi recommends further research with larger cohorts. He emphasized the importance of regular dental visits to manage gum disease progression and the potential need for extractions and prosthetics in severe cases. This research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting a link between oral health and cognitive function, underscoring the importance of prioritizing dental hygiene for overall well-being.