According to a recent study, gum disease may be linked to an increased risk in getting Alzheimer’s disease.

Gum disease starts with harmful bacteria living around and on the teeth. The bacteria that cause gum disease can also contribute to heart disease and is now related to more than 46 diseases and cross referenced to 57 other health issues. According to a recent study by Harvard and Forsyth Institute researchers, Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacteria associated with gum disease, has been found in brains affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Since more than 75% of Americans have some form of gum disease, at Integrative Oral Medicine, we have changed our focus from just saving teeth to detecting and managing the issues early that lead to gum disease. This can potentially save lives in many ways.

Bleeding Gums

If we discover your gums are bleeding during our routine exam, we know that is a sign of active infection and unhealthy. We have an obligation to tell you and provide you with tools and methods to control the bleeding. Our hope for you is to come in appointment after appointment with zero bleeding during our exams.

The Bacteria

We now have the technology to identify the specific bacteria, yeast or viruses that cause your body to respond and create bleeding and inflammation. A simple 30-second rinse and spit test will capture a small sampling of the bacteria living around the gums that can help us provide targeted therapy designed specifically to control the type of bacteria you have. You can be sick with a healthy mouth, but you cannot be healthy with a sick mouth.

If you are trying to achieve longevity and vitality you must have optimum oral health. Let our team help you achieve and maintain a mouth that is as healthy as it can be. Give us a call today to schedule your exam.

Additional Articles

Want to read more about the link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease? Check out this article published by Science Magazine.