| ✅ Reviewed by Dr. Tom McCawley | 🕒 Reading time: four minutes |
If you have been treated for gum disease or are currently managing it, you may have come across headlines suggesting a connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease. But how real is that link, and what does it mean for your future health?
At McCawley Center for Laser Periodontics & Implants, we are deeply committed to protecting more than just your smile. We focus on your overall health. Let us walk through what current research shows and how you can take steps today to reduce your risk.
The Bacterial Connection Between Your Gums and Brain
Emerging studies suggest that periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s disease may develop in tandem.
Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection. These bacteria do not always remain confined to the gum tissue. When gums bleed, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, including the brain.
Once in the brain, these bacteria can trigger chronic inflammation. This ongoing immune response is believed to contribute to the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Learn more about Gum Disease.
What the Research Shows
A recent study from Taiwan found that individuals with periodontal disease had up to a 70 percent higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to those with healthy gums.
Another study found that among individuals already diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, cognitive decline occurred six times faster in those who also had oral infections.
Another study found that the spirochetes that we usually find in periodontal disease are found in the brains of 90% of Alzheimer’s Disease patients.
These findings highlight just how important it is to treat oral infections early.
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If You Have Had Gum Disease, What Happens Next?
Many patients wonder if their past struggle with gum disease has already placed them at increased risk.
While it is possible that bacteria may have entered the bloodstream during the active phase of the infection, it does not mean the damage is permanent.
Managing your gum health now is essential. Chronic inflammation is one of the most well-established risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases. If you have taken steps to control your gum disease and continue to receive professional care, you are actively lowering your risk.
What You Can Do Now to Protect Your Mouth and Mind
Daily habits and proactive care can make a meaningful difference for both your oral health and cognitive well-being. Here are a few practical steps to get started:
1. Stay consistent with dental cleanings
Professional cleanings remove plaque and bacteria that brushing and flossing often miss. Regular visits also allow for early detection and treatment of gum problems.
2. Brush and floss and Waterpik thoroughly each day
Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and stannous fluoride toothpaste. Floss once a day to clean between teeth and below the gumline where bacteria tend to hide.
3. Address gum disease with antimicrobial therapy
If you have active gum disease, do not wait to seek treatment. Antimicrobial therapy helps to identify and eliminate the bacteria causing the infection using advanced diagnostics and targeted treatment.
4. Support your immune system
Eating nutrient-rich foods, staying physically active, and getting enough sleep can help your body manage inflammation and resist infection.
5. Manage underlying health conditions
Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease are linked to both periodontal disease and cognitive decline. Managing these conditions can help reduce overall risk.
Taking care of your gums is an important step toward protecting your long-term health, including your brain.
How We Can Help
We focus on identifying and eliminating the specific bacteria responsible for the infection, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
We provide customized antimicrobial therapy to target bacteria, parasites, and fungi that may be contributing to the infection. We use LANAP® laser treatment, which has been shown to eliminate periodontal pathogens in 85 percent of treated cases immediately following the procedure.
Book a Consultation in Fort Lauderdale
If you are currently dealing with gum disease or have concerns about how it may affect your overall health, we are here to help.
At McCawley Center for Laser Periodontics & Implants, you will find expert care in a supportive, family-style environment. We take the time to listen, explain your options, and create a personalized treatment plan that works for you.
Our goal is not just to treat gum disease, it is to protect your health, preserve your smile, and help you feel confident about the future.
To book an appointment at our periodontal office in Fort Lauderdale, FL, call (954) 807-4829 or visit us at 800 East Broward Blvd #706 Fort Lauderdale, FL.
