Neglecting Your Teeth Could Be DEADLY
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted February 13, 2022
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
I’m guessing I probably don’t have to tell you to brush your teeth.
Most adults put toothpaste on their brush and shake it around their mouths at least twice a day.
This helps you keep your smile bright, your breath fresh, and (of course) avoid getting cavities.
But now, there’s an even BIGGER reason to invest in your oral health.
A new study has found that not brushing your teeth could INCREASE your risk of this deadly disease.
And you won’t believe what it is!
According to a recent paper in the journal Neurology, the bacteria living in your mouth may just determine whether you will get dementia.
Not only that, but your mouth health may serve as a warning flag for OTHER future diseases.
You see, your mouth is home to at least 700 different kinds of bacteria. The good news is, an overwhelming number of those bacteria are your friends, and they help keep your mouth clean and healthy.
But just like one rotten apple spoils the barrel, one or two bad bacteria can really wreak havoc on your health.
In this recent study, researchers found that people who had gum disease in midlife were much more likely to have dementia when the researchers followed up over 20 years later.
And if the study participant had lost a tooth to gum disease or decay, their odds of developing dementia were TWICE as high.
Bad bacteria can slide in between your gums and your teeth and set up shop, quickly turning into gingivitis. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, you could be at risk for this disease.
But gum disease is only the beginning. The longer the bacteria live between your gum and teeth, the more likely they are to travel downwards, toward the roots of your teeth. When this happens, it’s called periodontitis… and it’s a major risk factor for losing teeth.
But worse than losing teeth, inflammation in your gums can lead to overall inflammation in your body. And as I’ve said before, inflammation can quickly lead to disease.
The moral of the story? DON’T skip out on brushing and flossing… and make sure you keep your twice-a-year dentist appointments as well!
P.S. Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss? Bleeding gums could be an early warning sign of this condition. Read more right here.
SOURCE:
Williamson, Laura. “Could the path to better brain health involve better mouth care?”. 11/1/21. Medical Xpress. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-11-path-brain-health-involve-mouth.html
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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