By Arthur Kezian
A Japanese study carried out involving approximately 4200 people over the age of 65 revealed that participants who had few natural teeth were more likely to experience loss of memory, dementia or the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The interesting thing is that most of those involved in the study especially those who showed signs of memory loss admitted to having rarely if ever, visiting a dentist. What’s more these results seem to be in support of the fact that the link between memory loss and tooth loss is becoming more clearer in the medical community. Dr. Kezian will explain this to you in detail.
Dr. Nozomi Okamoto who led the study strongly believes that the same gum infections that cause tooth loss and memory loss are responsible for allowing inflammatory agents to affect the brain killing numerous neurons in the process. The Dr. also mentioned that sensory receptors around the site of lost teeth are often negatively affected consequently underscoring the neuron death/inflammation theory.
· Losing teeth before the age of 35 has been described as a factor promoting the development of Alzheimer's disease hence the need for an emergency dentist. Research findings revealed that those people who tend to have more complex jobs or exercise more or may be engage a lot more in leisure activities are less vulnerable to experiencing Alzheimer’s disease as well as tooth loss as a result of gum disease. Take note, Dr. Kezian just like any other high profiling medic agrees that Alzheimer’s disease is considered as a degenerative brain disease that results into dementia.
· Also, in most cases, the onset usually occurs when a person is in his or her 50’s and then gradually develops and worsens overtime. With time all the above translates into incapacitating problems especially relating to memory, thinking as well as behavior, problems with language, decision making abilities, personality and even judgment.
· In case you are not aware gum disease is simply a bacterial infection of the gums that comes about as a result of inadequate oral hygiene. It results into inflammation of the bone and gums especially around the teeth. You should also know that failure to address it accordingly will lead to tooth loss. In fact gum disease if the most common cause of teeth loss in adult population. Dr. Kezian believes that this confirms the suspected connection that exists between tooth loss and Alzheimer’s disease caused by inflammation of gums by bacteria. In short, early tooth loss doesn't necessarily cause Alzheimer’s disease instead it is gum disease responsible for tooth loss that is to blame.
· At this point the relationship major concerns are being expressed following the study whose findings have already been published online. In fact the department of community health and epidemiology led by Dr. Nozomi Okamoto might have just stumbled upon this discovery at the same time shedding more light on the fact that inflammation is the most likely cause of a chain of reactions that lead to Alzheimer’s disease. Good or bad news is that more evidence continues to add up proving that infections in the gums are most likely to cause tooth loss consequently releasing inflammatory substances which in turn are believed to enhance the brain inflammation that causes neuronal death as well as hastening memory loss.
As already mentioned Dr. Kezian and staff strongly believe that gum disease is the main cause of tooth loss especially with adults and more people still continue to fall victim simply because they are not aware of the relationship that exists between the two. Fortunately for you this has been an eye opener. As much as it might seem impossible to reverse the effects of gum disease, it is advisable that you simply make a point of taking good care of your oral health and seeing an emergency dentist when needed as this will prevent further damage.
Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777
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