Poor Oral Health Linked to Brain Damage, Study Finds
Poor health in one part of the body often leads to problems elsewhere. A recent study has discovered a potential link between gum disease and damage to the brain’s white matter, which is responsible for transmitting signals around the central nervous system.
While the findings are not definitive, they suggest that chronic inflammation in the mouth could be impacting the brain as well. Maintaining good oral hygiene may not only benefit gums and teeth but also the white matter in the brain.
The research, conducted by a team from the University of South Carolina, focused on white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), which are indicators of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). This condition affects the brain’s blood vessels and raises the risk of stroke and cognitive decline.
The study’s lead researcher, Souvik Sen, a vascular neurologist at the University of South Carolina, commented on the findings, stating, “This study demonstrates a connection between gum disease and white matter hyperintensities, suggesting that oral health may play a role in brain health that we are only beginning to comprehend.”
The team analyzed dental exams and brain scans of 1,143 adult participants. They found that individuals with gum disease, also known as periodontal disease (800 participants), had a higher average volume of WMHs: 2.83 percent of total brain volume compared to 2.52 percent for those without gum disease.
After adjusting for other influencing factors, the data revealed that individuals with gum disease had a 56 percent higher likelihood of showing the most white matter damage.
While the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, it suggests a potential connection that warrants further investigation. Sen emphasized the importance of preventive and treatment measures for gum disease, stating that addressing oral inflammation could be a new approach to reducing cerebral small vessel disease.
White matter hyperintensities, which are associated with CSVD, tend to increase with age and can indicate underlying brain injuries affecting functions like balance, memory, and reasoning. The exact mechanism by which gum disease exacerbates these issues remains unclear, but research suggests that chronic inflammation may play a role in spreading harmful effects throughout the body.
Recent studies have also highlighted links between gum disease, tooth cavities, and an increased risk of stroke, underscoring the significance of oral health in overall well-being. With nearly half of US adults affected by gum disease, addressing this issue could have broader health benefits. However, researchers also acknowledge the potential impact of shared risk factors affecting both vascular health and the health of gums and brains.
Sen concluded that while more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between oral health and brain health, the findings point to the importance of maintaining oral hygiene for overall well-being. The study has been published in Neurology Open Access.
