A number of studies link tooth loss with dementia. According to one of these studies involving people 75-98 years old, those with few teeth (zero to nine) had an increased risk of developing dementia during the study, compared with those who had 10 or more teeth. This finding may best be explained by the possibility that people with cognitive impairment take worse care of their teeth. However, it is also possible that dental disease often causes prolonged inflammation and infection in the mouth, which may alter some factors in the blood that might cause problems in the brain. In any case, it certainly could not hurt to see that elderly individuals receive proper dental care.
Did you know there’s a link between your oral health and the health of your body overall? Studies show that poor oral health is linked to heart disease, diabetes, pregnancy complications, dementia, and more. The good news is that, together with the team at West Brookfield Dental, you can take great care of your oral health and possibly help prevent other health issues. Please call our office at 508-867-2777 to make your appointment today. Our office is conveniently located at 9 West Main St., West Brookfield.
P.S. Tooth loss in the elderly can lead to nutritional deficiencies caused by an inability to chew and digest certain foods.
