Gum disease is a trigger for silent killer, worrying study finds

GUM disease is a trigger for dementia, according to a study.

Poor oral health can lead to changes in cells that defend the brain from amyloid plaque, researchers say.

The plaque is a type of protein associated with cell death and cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer’s disease.

The US research provides an insight into how oral bacteria makes its way to the brain.

Dr Alpdogan Kantarci, of Boston University, said: “If you don’t take care of oral inflammation and infection, you cannot really prevent systemic diseases like Alzheimer’s.

"We knew from one of our previous studies that inflammation associated with gum disease activates an inflammatory response in the brain.

“In this study, we were asking the question, can oral bacteria cause a change in the brain cells?”

Gum disease causes lesions to develop between the gums and teeth.

Dr. Kantarci said: “It’s an open wound that allows the bacteria in your mouth to enter your bloodstream and circulate to other parts of your body.

"Recognising how oral bacteria causes neuroinflammation will help us to develop much more targeted strategies.”

He added: "This study suggests that in order to prevent neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, it will be critical to control the oral inflammation associated with periodontal disease.

“The mouth is part of the body and if you don’t take care of oral inflammation and infection, you cannot really prevent systemic diseases, like Alzheimer’s, in a reproducible way.”

Gum disease has also been linked to colon cancer and heart disease.