Gum disease and other oral health problems have been previously linked to high blood pressure and heart disease risk. Now, a recent study has demonstrated the impact of poor oral health on brain health. 40,000 adults (46% men, average age 57 years) without a history of stroke were screened for 105 genetic variants known to cause a predisposition to missing teeth, cavities, and dentures . The relationship between these genetic risk factors and brain health was evaluated using MRI.
A 24% increase in white matter hyperintensities was indicative of silent cerebrovascular disease burden in adults predisposed to missing teeth, cavities, and dentures. Adults with overall genetically poor oral health showed higher damage in fine architecture of the brain, as demonstrated by 43% change in microstructural damage scores The results highlight the implications of oral health beyond the mouth. Poor…
