It is estimated that 27,000 people are living with dementia in West Yorkshire, with this number set to rise significantly to 38,000 by 2023.
In fact, cases are predicted to increase by 42.5% between 2019 and 2030 across the county.
Leeds is home to over 126,000 people over the age of 65 with this number set to increase to over 150,000 by 2030. To coincide with World Alzheimer’s Month and World Alzheimer’s Day on 21st September 2024, local dentists are advocating the importance of a good oral hygiene routine in prolonging healthy teeth and gums amongst the older generations. The health benefits extend far beyond the mouth, however, including protecting the brain.
Preventing the build-up of bacteria in gums can have significant long-term benefits. Bacteria that causes gum disease can leak into the bloodstream, triggering an immune response. A continuous immune response can lead to chronic inflammation and this damages the heart. A study of blood clots in stroke patients revealed that 80% showed the presence of oral bacteria.
A recent study conducted by the University of Central Lancashire’s School of Dentistry examined the brain tissue from Alzheimer’s patients for presence of gum disease bacteria and associated proteins.
. “The oral bacteria was found exclusively in the brains of Alzheimer’s sufferers and not in the brains of those without the disease,” said Dr Sim Singhrao. “In short, oral hygiene is incredibly important for the health of the body and brain.”
Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque and bacteria around the teeth which can then lead to gums becoming infected and swollen. As a response to the infected gums, certain antibodies or proteins can build up in the brain which interrupt communication between brain cells resulting in cognitive decline, particularly memory loss and confusion.
Although brushing your teeth may seem like a simple task, it’s easy to clean on “auto pilot” without ensuring teeth and gums are cleaned thoroughly. A clean smile requires some effort but it’s effort that pays off in the long run and cleaning between the teeth is key. A toothbrush alone cleans just 60% of the tooth but only 31% of British adults clean between the teeth on a regular basis. To hit the other 40% that the toothbrush can’t reach, floss picks and interdental brushes are an important addition to an oral hygiene routine.
“77% of tooth decay starts between the teeth,” says Derbyshire-based hygienist, Emma Nelson. “That alone is a good enough reason to use interdental cleaners but there’s also another reason. We’re starting see the link between oral bacteria from gum disease and Alzheimer’s.”
Dental hygienist Emma Nelson recommends the “Inside, Outside, Upside, Done!” approach.
“This involves cleaning between the teeth first, followed by the outside (brushing your teeth) and the upside (tongue) but not rinsing. DenTek’s eco-friendly range of interdental cleaners are great for making sure every inch of tooth is reached,” she says.
“It really pays to invest in the health of your teeth with a proper oral care routine,” continues Emma. “Most people know to brush their teeth but too few include interdental and tongue cleaning. By adding these important areas to your oral hygiene routine, the benefits can reach far beyond just the health of your teeth.”
