Scientists are uncovering a connection between oral health and brain health. Recent studies suggest that periodontitis—an advanced form of gum disease—may contribute to changes in brain function, potentially increasing the risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. This link may exist even in individuals who start out with normal cognitive function. While it’s well known that dementia can lead to poor oral health due to difficulties with hygiene and diet, researchers are now asking an important question: Could gum disease actually play a role in triggering or accelerating cognitive decline? Inflammation caused by periodontitis doesn’t stay in the mouth. It can spread through the bloodstream, affecting other organs, including the brain.
Certain bacteria linked to gum disease have been found in Alzheimer’s patients, raising concerns that oral infections may contribute to neurological damage over time. If the health of the gums influences brain function, then preventing and treating gum disease may be an important step in reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
Gum Disease: What Is It and How Does It Progress?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the tissues supporting the teeth. It develops in stages, beginning with mild inflammation and potentially leading to severe tissue and bone loss if left untreated. As the disease advances, symptoms become more severe, including bleeding gums, gum recession, loose teeth, and eventual tooth loss.
Bacteria in the mouth continuously form a sticky film called plaque on the teeth and gums. If you do not remove it through regular brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar within days. As a result, the tartar creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth and infection. As plaque accumulates, it irritates the gums, leading to gingivitis—the first stage of gum disease. Gums become red, swollen, and easily bleed during brushing or flossing. At this stage, the infection is still limited to the surface of the gums. However, we can reverse it with proper oral care and professional cleanings.
If gingivitis is not treated, the infection moves deeper below the gumline, where bacteria begin to attack the tissues and bone that support the teeth. This marks the transition to periodontitis—a more severe, chronic infection that causes irreversible damage. At this point, the immune system responds by releasing inflammatory chemicals. Instead of stopping the infection, the body begins breaking down the bone and connective tissues that hold teeth in place.
Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s: Are They Connected?
Despite decades of research, the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease remains unclear. Scientists have identified key molecular changes, such as the buildup of amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles, but what triggers these abnormalities—and why they worsen over time—is still under investigation. Increasingly, researchers are looking beyond the brain and exploring the role of chronic inflammation as a possible driver of neurodegeneration.
How Inflammation Disrupts Brain Function
Think of the brain as a well-organized city, with neurons acting as buildings and roads that allow signals to travel efficiently. In Alzheimer’s disease, sticky plaques and tangled fibers accumulate, blocking pathways and disrupting communication. In response, the brain’s immune system tries to clear the debris. Initially, this defense is helpful, but over time, it becomes overwhelmed. Instead of repairing damage, the immune system stays in a constant state of activation. It floods the brain with inflammatory chemicals that harm neurons instead of protecting them. Neurons are the fundamental units that enable our nervous system to function, allowing us to think, feel, move, and interact with our environment.
This vicious cycle of inflammation accelerates the breakdown of brain cells. The more plaques and tangles that form, the more inflammation increases. The more inflammation increases, the faster cognitive decline occurs.
How Gum Disease May Contribute To This Cycle
Periodontitis, a chronic infection of the gums, is now being studied as a potential trigger for the inflammation seen in Alzheimer’s disease. When gum disease progresses, harmful bacteria thrive below the gumline, releasing toxins and inflammatory molecules. These bacteria and their byproducts can enter the bloodstream, spreading inflammation throughout the body—including the brain.
Researchers have even found gum bacteria inside the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, suggesting that oral infections may play a role in neurodegeneration. Some studies indicate that individuals with periodontitis are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s, raising concerns that poor oral health may contribute to long-term cognitive decline.
Protect Your Oral Health Today
Researchers continue to explore the connection between gum disease and cognitive decline. What we do know is this: taking care of your oral health is an investment in your overall well-being. Brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits protect your teeth and help reduce inflammation that may contribute to serious health concerns.
By staying proactive with regular checkups, we can monitor changes, address issues early, and support both your oral and cognitive health for the long term. Small, consistent habits today may help safeguard your future. Prioritize your oral health today and schedule your next dental visit.
