Oral Health & Alzheimer’s | My Bloomingdale Dentist, Dr. Kim

How Oral Health May Affect the Brain: The Surprising Link Between Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s

Understanding the Connection

Recent research has revealed a striking connection between oral health and brain health, particularly in relation to Alzheimer’s disease.
A 2019 study in Science Advances discovered DNA from Porphyromonas gingivalis — a key bacterium behind gum disease — inside the brains of Alzheimer’s patients during autopsies. The same bacterial DNA was also found in the cerebrospinal fluid of people with probable Alzheimer’s.

Even more concerning, toxic enzymes produced by P. gingivalis were strongly linked to tau protein tangles, one of the main biological markers of Alzheimer’s.

What the Research Shows

To test this connection, scientists infected mice orally with P. gingivalis. They later detected bacterial DNA in the animals’ brains along with amyloid-beta deposits, another major Alzheimer’s hallmark.
When researchers blocked the bacterial enzymes, amyloid-beta production and brain inflammation decreased, suggesting a possible therapeutic target.

However, a clinical trial aiming to inhibit these bacterial enzymes in humans did not meet expectations, leading the FDA to halt future trials. Despite this setback, scientists continue to investigate how oral bacteria might travel to the brain—possibly through the bloodstream or peripheral nerves.

How Gum Disease Can Affect the Whole Body

The link starts with gum disease. When daily brushing or flossing is neglected, dental plaque — a sticky film of bacteria — builds up on teeth. This triggers gingivitis, an early and reversible stage of gum disease that causes red, swollen, or bleeding gums.

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, a more advanced condition that damages gum tissue and bone. As gums pull away from teeth, bacteria spread deeper, creating chronic inflammation that may affect not only the mouth but also the entire body.

This persistent inflammation increases the number of inflammatory molecules circulating in the bloodstream, which in turn can trigger neuroinflammation—a key factor in Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Why Oral Health Is Brain Health

Researchers now believe that taking care of your mouth may also support your cognitive health. Early findings from ongoing studies show that individuals with memory loss or cognitive decline often have severe gum disease or untreated dental infections that have gone unnoticed.

Although scientists are still exploring the full biological mechanisms, the takeaway is clear: maintaining excellent oral hygiene may help reduce the risk of systemic and brain inflammation.

What You Can Do

1. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
2. Floss every day to remove bacteria between teeth and under the gumline.
3. Schedule regular dental cleanings and checkups every six months.
4. Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol, both of which increase inflammation.
5. Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals that support gum and bone health.

These small, consistent habits protect not just your smile—but potentially your brain as well.

Visit My Bloomingdale Dentist for Comprehensive Oral Care

At My Bloomingdale Dentist, Dr. Henry Kim, DMD and our caring team are committed to improving both your oral health and overall wellness. We provide preventive, restorative, and advanced dental treatments in a comfortable environment using the latest technology.

Address: 183 S. Bloomingdale Rd., Suite 102, Bloomingdale, IL 60108
Call: (224) 520-8665
Website: www.mybloomingdaledentist.com
Serving Bloomingdale, Roselle, Addison, Carol Stream, and surrounding communities.

Your mouth is the gateway to your health — keep it clean, protect it daily, and schedule your next visit with Dr. Kim today.