Why dental hygiene helps prevent Alzheimer's disease: this is the most unknown connection in Spain

Bacteria and many other molecules can travel from the gut to the brain. More information: Shuichi Tonomura, neurologist: "We can prevent the risk of stroke every time we brush our teeth"

Why taking care of our dental hygiene helps prevent Alzheimer's disease: Spain's most unknown connection

Bacteria and inflammatory molecules can travel from the gums to the brain.

More information: Shuichi Tonomura, neuratiologist: "Every time we brush our teeth, we can avoid the risk of stroke"

When we think of oral health, we often think of white teeth and strong gums.But maintaining a healthy body type is more than just for asthma: it can affect the health of our whole body.

Because what happens in the mouth does not stay in the mouth.Bacteria that accumulate in the teeth and gums can travel throughout the body and result in isolation in organs such as the heart or brain.

Poor oral health does not only increase the appearance of cavities, tooth loss or crowding (cavity): it can increase the risk of cancer, and it also contributes to the development of the heart, brain and brain.

In particular, it has been observed that people suffering from periodontitis - a chronic inflammation of the gums caused by the accumulation of bacterial plaque - are more likely to develop complications in other parts of the body.The data is clear: A patient with untreated periodontitis is 2.5 times more likely to have a stroke and almost 3 times more likely to suffer from heart disease compared to those who maintain good oral health.

In addition, the chronic inflammation associated with periodontitis can also contribute to cognitive decline, as occurs in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's: The forgetfulness that changes everything

Alzheimer's is the most common cause of neurodegenerative dementia.Around the world, more than 57 million people live with Dementia, of which between 60% and 70% have alzheimer.In Spain, it affects about 800,000 people and it is estimated that its lot will double in the next 20 years.

Although we don't yet know its exact purpose, we do know that genetics and environmental factors, including our lifestyle, influence timing.And it's kind of a surprising connection: Kindness may protect the process of cognitive decline.

Bacteria, invisible creatures that leave their mark

The mouth is home to 770 species of microorganisms that make up the oral cavity.For the rest, this bacterial community does the right things.But when hygiene is poor or there are things that change this setter, Bacteria multiply, tending to the appearance of diseases such as temporary diseases.

Gingivitis, the mildest form, affects up to 90% of the population and can be reversed with proper hygiene.However, if it progresses, it can become periodontitis, a chronic, inflammatory and irreversible disease with consequences that go far beyond tooth loss.

The bacteria involved, especially Porphyromonas gingivalis, and the inflammatory molecules released by the immune system in an attempt to fight them can travel through the blood and reach distant organs such as the brain.There, they can contribute to inflammatory processes and the development or progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

In fact, several recent studies support this connection hypothesis.In animal models, viruses such as gingivitis, beta-amyloid protein and my

Message tests.Thors.Thot of Oral Bacters of Oral of People's brain of those who make this patients.

Protect our brush and mind

Therefore, spending just 10 minutes a day on oral hygiene is an investment in the future.Every time we forget to brush our teeth, bacteria multiply and can settle in other parts of the body with unpredictable effects.

Brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist not only take care of your smile: It can also help protect your heart, brain, and possibly your memory.Alzheimer's erases memories, but there's one thing we can't forget: taking care of our mouths is taking care of our minds.

* Teresa herreras extract from the Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country / Eusriko Sicibetatatata.

* Ane Murueta-Goyena Assistant Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of the Basque Country / University of the Basque Country (EHU).

* Unai Fernández Martín, pre-doctorstudent, Universidad del País Vasco / Universitetet i Basquerland.

** This article was originally published on The Conversation.