Unhealthy Teeth and the Risk of Dementia

Robert W. Griffith, MD

Unhealthy teeth - usually due to inflammation of the gums, called periodontitis - is known to be related to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The concept of a link between periodontitis and dementia has not received attention, however, until now. A report at the recent meeting of the International Society of Vascular Behavioral and Cognitive Disorders describes such a link. Poor dental health increased the likelihood of dementia by 30% to 40% over a 32-year period, regardless of cardiovascular status, according to Stewart of King's College, London . He was basing his talk on data from the Women's Health Study conducted in Goteborg , Sweden . This study included women born between 1908 and1930, who had clinical exams (including evaluation for dementia) between 1968 and 2000. Out of 638 women who had dental exams in 1968, 84 were found to have dementia. It was clear that a decreased tooth count (the end-result of periodontitis) was associated with a 30% increased risk of dementia.

One must presume that infection, leading to raised circulating inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6, is the common factor between poor teeth, cardiovascular disease and dementia. This will emerge from further studies. Meanwhile, brush, floss, and rinse with Listerine®.

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