If poor oral hygiene has several consequences on our body, a study reveals that it can also affect the brain.
From an early age, children learn to brush your teeth 2-3 times a day. This ritual contributes to good oral hygiene and healthy teeth. It is accompanied by one or more annual visits to the dentist. But whether it’s for lack of time, fear of dentists or because of a diet that’s too sweet, teeth can quickly deteriorate without regular maintenance.
However, the health of our teeth can have a direct influence on the rest of our body. Worse still, poor oral hygiene can affect the proper functioning of our brains. In any case, this is the conclusion that emerges of a study recently published in EurekAlert.
Increased white matter found in people genetically predisposed to cavities
In the past, studies had already established links between poor oral health and health problems. Thus, researchers have shown that the risk of stroke and heart disease increased in people with a lot of dental plaque. This is also the case in patients with missing teeth or gum problems.
But this new study looked more at the link between brain health and oral health. For this, the researchers used data from 40,000 adults with no history of stroke who participated in the UK Biobank. This large-scale survey, which is still ongoing, is used in many studies around the world.
The volunteers then underwent two different examinations. The first was to determine if they had a genetic background that favors the risk of cavities or dental problems. While the second test was an MRI to observe the state of their brain. However, the researchers found large amounts of white matter in people more prone to cavities.
But this white matter is problematic. Indeed, it is she who accelerates the potential damage to the brain and increases the risk of stroke, loss of memory and balance.
A study on oral hygiene which however has its limits
While this study is a reminder that good oral hygiene is important in more ways than one, a few questions remain unanswered. Indeed, the effect had overwhelmingly white and European volunteers. It is therefore not representative of the entire population.
Moreover, the study does not take into account certain external factors that can influence the health of the teeth. Among these factors, we find in particular the fact of smoking or suffering from diabetes. Finally, it is still too early to say whether adopting good oral hygiene while the white matter is installed can reduce the risks.
In fact, additional studies will have to be carried out to provide the missing answers.