Take care of your teeth and brain

Most people are not fully aware of the serious health risks of having poor oral health. Accordingly, people often only know that without proper oral hygiene, the risk of tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontitis will increase without understanding that if left untreated, the complications of oral health can progress to serious conditions that affect brain health.

Each person's teeth and brain are more interconnected than we ourselves think. Indeed, studies have found a link between poor oral health and poorer brain health.
In fact, there are many nerves in the oral cavity that are attached to the brain. For example, the trigeminal nerve is a cranial nerve that connects to the teeth, gums, jaw, and nearby organs. As a result, an oral infection that, if left untreated, can quickly turn into a brain infection. This happens when a tooth infection spreads through the bloodstream, carrying bacteria straight to the brain and even sepsis, which is life-threatening.
At the same time, in rare cases, bacteria can also sometimes attack nerve cells in the brain, putting a person at risk for memory loss and life-changing brain health complications. live differently. In severe cases, brain abscesses can form. This is a rare condition in which pus enters the brain and sometimes requires surgical intervention.
Accordingly, the symptoms of a brain infection are of oral origin:
Fever Coma Headache Nausea and vomiting Difficulty remembering Confusion Difficulty decreased mobility Changed vision On the other hand, if you think that you If you may be suffering from a brain infection due to poor oral health, see your dentist immediately to find and fix the source of the infection.

Besides the brain infections caused by widespread dental infections, dementia is a very common condition that causes memory loss and it is also one of the most common brain health effects caused by poor oral hygiene.
Accordingly, although dementia often occurs in old age, it can occur much earlier, even in young people if there are complications related to oral health.
In fact, studies have found a link between gum disease and cognitive decline as well as a direct link between periodontal disease and dementia. Some studies have even suggested that gum disease may be a catalyst for Alzheimer's disease.
Thus, if a person has an early stage of gum disease, also known as gingivitis, the dentist needs to intervene early so that the disease can be controlled before a tooth infection can lead to memory loss during the infection. spread to the brain. The mechanism of this consequence is that when tooth decay, infection, if it has reached the root of the tooth, the infection will threaten the nerves and blood vessels, directly connected to the brain. Acute brain injury is a brain infection with an inflammatory response, but long-term brain health consequences can be dementia.
Therefore, actively preventing the spread of infection by maintaining proper oral hygiene and regularly visiting the dentist is also one of the important measures to help maintain clear brain health. after.

As scientists do more research, the link between oral health and disease, especially problems related to brain health, becomes clearer. One of the latest links to be discovered is that of Alzheimer's disease and oral health conditions.
Specifically, researchers found that bacteria linked to gum disease can be transferred into the bloodstream through everyday habits like brushing your teeth. When the brain is repeatedly exposed to these germs, responses are activated that can kill brain cells, a favorable factor in the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
That's why the bottom line here is to do everything you can to prevent gum disease, often starting with a daily routine of proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to keep your teeth healthy. Dentists detect abnormalities early and promptly control.

Although in the elderly, there are already signs of Alzheimer's disease, the practice of daily oral care can be difficult, if the caregiver patiently guides the oral care, along with the steps. Other personal care, is also a measure of slowing down the aging process. However, instructing older adults to brush their teeth when they have Alzheimer's disease should avoid containing too much information. It's better to break things down into simple steps and have the patient imitate them, starting by asking them to hold a toothbrush, then apply toothpaste, and finally brush their teeth.
In short, a healthy tooth is a necessary condition for the protection of long-term brain health. With good oral health habits, including daily flossing and twice-a-day brushing, maintaining a regular dental check-up schedule, wearing a mouth guard when playing risky sports, People not only confidently have a bright smile but also have a good nervous system, durable and wise over time.