Written by Fatima Yasser
Friday, February 10, 2023 12:00 PM
According to a preliminary study, oral hygiene goes beyond the mouth. A paper to be presented at the 2023 International Stroke Conference states that taking care of your teeth and gums can improve the health of your brain.
Maintaining oral hygiene is linked to brain health, according to preliminary research to be presented at the American Stroke Association’s 2023 International Stroke Conference.
While studies have indicated a link between gum disease and poor oral health that can increase the risk of stroke, there has been no evidence that it is linked to brain health.
“What’s not clear is whether poor oral health affects brain health, the functional state of a person’s brain, which we can now better understand using neuroimaging tools such as magnetic resonance imaging or magnetic resonance imaging,” said study author Cibrian Riviere. Just like heart disease and stroke, you can make lifestyle choices, one of which includes keeping your teeth and gums clean.
In this study, researchers analyzed the potential link between oral health and brain health in 4,000 adults who had no history of stroke, between 2014 and 2021.
Signs of poor brain health were examined via MRI images of the participants’ brains. The analysis found that people who are genetically predisposed to cavities, missing teeth, or those who need dentures suffer from silent cerebrovascular disease.
Besides, poor oral health generally genetically increased damage to the delicate structure of the brain, which can impair memory, balance and movement. This was seen by a 43 per cent change in the scores of microstructural damage visible on MRI scans.
It’s still good to pay attention to oral hygiene and health, said Joseph, a professor at the University of Cincinnati’s Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine.
In conclusion, the study highlights the impact of oral hygiene on the brain and how this aspect of their lifestyles should not be neglected.