Oral Health: A Key to a Sharper Mind

Protecting Your Pearly Whites Could Help Ward Off Dementia

Recent research highlights a surprising connection between your teeth and your brain. Emerging evidence suggests that maintaining good oral hygiene may be a crucial step in preventing cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a simple, yet powerful message for overall well-being.

The Mouth-Brain Link

The British Dental Association emphasizes the importance of oral health. According to **Eddie Crouch**, the association’s chair, there’s growing evidence connecting poor oral health to dementia risk. This includes plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth loss, all of which can contribute to cognitive issues.

Scientists have found bacteria associated with gum disease in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. According to **Dr. Sam Jethwa**, president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, gum disease bacteria can infiltrate the bloodstream through inflamed gum tissue and reach the brain. This underscores the necessity of prioritizing oral care for brain health.

Daily Dental Defense

Gum disease affects over 45% of adults in the UK, according to the British Society of Periodontology. This highlights the need for a dedicated dental routine. Fortunately, maintaining a healthy mouth involves three essential practices: brushing, interdental flossing, and using fluoride.

Brush Better

Thorough cleaning of all tooth surfaces and the gumline is crucial. The choice of toothbrush, manual or electric, is personal preference. Electric toothbrushes are generally more effective at eliminating plaque and food particles. Always prioritize proper brushing technique.

For those seeking an electric toothbrush, the Philips Sonicare 5300 is recommended. This brush removes up to seven times more plaque than manual brushing, featuring pressure sensors that alert you to potential gum damage.

Another option is the Suri Sustainable Electric Toothbrush. It offers an eco-friendly approach with its recyclable aluminum body and plant-based brush heads, which Suri will recycle. The travel case includes a UV light for sanitization. It also comes with a magnetic wall/mirror mount.

For a manual toothbrush, the Spotlight Oral Care Bamboo Toothbrush is a good choice. It is a plastic-free, fully recyclable, and naturally antibacterial option.

Floss, Rinse, and Repeat

As toothbrushes clean only about 60% of the tooth’s surface, flossing is critical, states **Dr. Wyman Chan**, a dentist with four decades of experience. Skipping interdental cleaning leaves a lot behind. Floss or interdental brushes remove plaque that can cause gum inflammation and bone loss, reducing chronic gum disease risks. Mouthwash can help, but it does not replace flossing.

The Ordo Hydro Sonic Water Flosser offers an alternative to traditional flossing methods. Water flossers can be more effective at removing bacteria and plaque than manual brushing. This flosser has a large water capacity and is designed for ease of use.

Grin Smooth Flosspyks offers an alternative to traditional floss. These individual picks have handles, making them easier to use. They are angled for easy access to teeth.

TePe EasyPicks, sold in various sizes, fit between crowded teeth, featuring silicone ridges to remove debris gently. They are designed for convenience and effective cleaning.

Fluoride’s Function

Fluoride is the most crucial component of any toothpaste. It prevents decay and helps remineralize enamel, as confirmed by decades of research. Toothpaste must have at least 1,350 ppm of fluoride to be effective, according to dental experts. Always check the packaging for the correct concentration.

Colgate Max White Ultra Toothpaste is an effective stain remover. It’s powerful, yet gentle enough to use on sensitive teeth or worn-down enamel.

Waken Enamel Care Toothpaste, free of artificial colors, alcohol, and sodium lauryl sulfate, offers another option. The recyclable tube is made from at least 30% recycled plastic.

Corsodyl Active Gum Repair toothpaste can help prevent early gum disease. It helps repair inflamed and bleeding gums in about a week.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults aged 65 and older are more likely to have gum disease compared to younger adults (CDC 2024).