How Good Oral Hygiene Improves Your Brain Function

Taking care of our teeth and gums is part of our overall program for maintaining a great smile and tip-top oral health. Science tells us that it may also be necessary for the health of our brains.

Benefits of Good Oral Hygiene

Daily brushing and flossing combined with regular dental check-ups are critical components in the recipe for good oral health. When you take care of your teeth and gums, your smile will be brighter, your gums will be healthier, and your likelihood of tooth decay will decrease.

There are some additional oral hygiene benefits as well, some of which are not as well known. Taking care of your dental health reduces the risk of diabetes and heart disease. It can also significantly optimize the health of your brain.

Your Brain Will Thank You

Your brain is perhaps the most important organ of your whole body. It is the central organ of the human nervous system. It is the control center for almost all of our physiological and cognitive activities. It goes without saying that keeping the brain in optimal health is good for our well-being.

As it turns out, good oral hygiene is essential in maintaining optimal brain function. In particular, the bacteria that causes gingivitis, Porphyromonas gingivalis, not only causes health problems in our mouths but can also travel to the brain.

Once in the brain, Porphyromonas gingivalis releases certain enzymes termed gingipains. These enzymes are capable of destroying nerve cells, which can cause memory loss and contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. High levels of gingipain have been found in the brains of those affected by dementia.

Everyone knows that good dental care can improve oral health. As it turns out, it is good for your brain as well.

Connect with Bearley Dental, Charlottesville, Virginia

Regular dental check-ups go a long way in the process of achieving good oral hygiene. Contact Bearley Dental at (434) 443-8034 for dental hygiene care and to make an appointment. Dr. Daniel Bearley and his team are happy to serve you. New patients are welcome. 

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