Periodontal Disease and Alzheimer's- Is there a Connection

                       Periodontal Disease and Alzheimer’s Disease – Is There a Connection?

According to studies at New York University published in August of 2010 periodontal disease may signal a risk of cognitive dysfunction associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Cognitive dysfunction refers to the brains diminished ability to process information.

Study leader Dr. Angela Kramer and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis involving 20 years of data that supports a possible causal link between periodontal disease, or gum inflammation, and Alzheimer's disease, which involves brain inflammation. "The research suggests that cognitively normal subjects with periodontal inflammation are at an increased risk of lower cognitive function compared to cognitively normal subjects with little or no periodontal inflammation," Kramer said in a statement.

Kramer's team then compared cognitive function at ages 50 and 70, using the Digit Symbol Test, a part of the standard measurement of adult IQ. The researchers did an analysis of periodontal inflammation and cognitive function in 152 subjects in the Glistered Aging Study, involving Danish men and women over a 20-year period ending in 1984, when the subjects were all age 70.

The study found that periodontal inflammation at age 70 was strongly associated with lower Digit Symbol Test scores at age 70. Subjects with periodontal inflammation were nine times more likely to test in the lower range of the Digit Symbol test compared to subjects with little or no periodontal inflammation.

 Periodontal or gum disease leads to loss of bone and other supporting structures in the mouth. This bone loss accounts for the great majority of tooth loss in adults.  Tooth loss is a significant predictor of mortality independent of health factors, socio-economic status, and lifestyle in older adults, with a stronger association in females.

These two factors alone show how constant inflammation and infection in the mouth may affect the entire body. Stop periodontal disease at the earliest stages and protect your entire body.

Tooth Sensitivity -A Touchy Subject

                                              Tooth Sensitivity- a Touchy Subject

 According to the Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry  sensitive teeth are often referred to as the “common cold of dentistry”. This problem affects many patients but yet most people never discuss the situation with their dentist.  The majority of patients seem to be unaware that dental sensitivity is a diagnosable condition that may be stopped, reduced or prevented. 

Tooth sensitivity and the accompanying pain often occurs gradually and patients are unaware that they have developed strategies to avoid the discomfort such as less or no ice in cold drinks, use of a straw to keep the drink away from the “touchy teeth”  and tooth brushing with warm water.   The short sharp pain one experiences may occur in response to warm and cold sensations, brushing, flossing or air blowing across the teeth. Obviously teeth can become sensitive because of decay, abscess or recent dental work. Teeth become chronically sensitive for several reasons:

• Chemical erosion - the erosion of the enamel and dentin caused by frequent or excessive intake of an acidic diet that may include wine, soda, lemonade, orange juice and sports drinks. Erosion can also occur from the reflux of stomach acids caused by gastrointestinal problems.

       · Attrition and Abfraction - the wearing away of the tooth surface caused by either an incorrect bite,clenching or grinding or accidental trauma.   

·   Gingival Recession – caused by poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease and by overly  aggressive oral hygiene techniques. 

 
The most common reason for dental sensitivity is gum recession. Gum recession may be prevented and treated by early intervention and patient education. Gum recession occurs at any age and may lead to gum disease and lost teeth.  

Tell your dentist if you have discomfort. Find out if your pain is really coming from the tooth itself or if the problem is actually a gum problem that could lead to periodontal disease. There are many solutions to overly sensitive teeth and help with the problem is only a phone call away.  Call us 772-283-1400