One More Reason to See Your Dentist

For years the recommendation has been to see your dentist “twice a year.” While dental practitioners have adapted that to “see your dentist at the recommended intervals,” it seems many patients are slow to agree to the more frequent visits.

But here is one more reason. A small study has potentially linked Periodontal Disease, which affects about 64% of adults over 65, with Alzheimer’s Disease. “Links between other systemic diseases have been well reported,” says Dr. Judith Ko from her Hemet Valley Dental Practice. She is referring to links between diabetes, low birth weight babies, respiratory problems, heart disease and pancreatic cancer. “This new information gives patients one more reason to listen to their dentist’s recommendations.”

The study, recently published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, discussed the findings of researchers who analyzed the brains of ten people with Alzheimer’s and ten without. In 40% of the diseased brain samples, oral bacteria related to gum-disease were found.

“Periodontal Disease can be controlled,” says Dr. Ko, “and it’s not just because you want to keep your teeth. Controlling your disease can also mean keeping your body and mind healthy.” So don’t skip a visit to your dentist.