Medical and dental researchers are discovering that your tooth brush may be an important tool in preventing disease. While the American Dental Association has long recommended brushing twice a day at a minimum for two minutes at a time with a soft-bristled brush and flossing daily, most Americans don’t follow this recommendation.
Only 51 percent of Americans brush twice daily, with about 30 percent brushing just once a day.1 Only a third of Americans floss on a daily basis.2
Research is revealing that keeping your teeth free of bacteria may not only benefit your oral health, it may benefit your overall health and prevent Alzheimer’s and other diseases.
The Lyon College School of Dental Medicine in Arkansas recently released findings from a narrative review published in the journal Physiologia and entitled “Oral Health as a Determinant of Alzheimer’s Disease.” The review found “emerging evidence that bacteria associated with periodontal disease can contribute to neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier disruption and vascular injury — all key components in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.”3
The lead author of the review, Dr. Josh Landers, said “this research reinforces what many in the dental and medical field have suspected for years…the mouth is not separate from the rest of the body … chronic inflammation that begins in the gums doesn’t just stop there. It can enter the bloodstream, travel to the brain and impact long-term neurological heatlh.”4
The review revealed that a pathogen commonly found in periodontal disease, called porphyromonas gingivalis, has been identified in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients by a growing body of research studies. The research also revealed that “individuals with poor oral health may have more than twice the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.”5
Periodontitis affects nearly one in ten adults worldwide and is one of the most common chronic inflammatory conditions. Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is an infection and inflammation of the tissues that support the teeth.
“Persistent inflammation is a known contributor to vascular injury and neuronal vulnerability, linking oral health to brain health.”6
While researchers continue to delve deeper into the links between oral health and overall health, especially as it relates to neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia it is becoming increasingly evident that maintaining a good oral health routine is as important as exercise and good nutrition in preventing illness. The benefits of good oral health clearly don’t include just good dental check-ups and beautiful smiles.
Maintain Your Oral Health with Regular Dental Visits
Call our Walled Lake dental office to schedule a free consultation and get a clear picture of your oral health. Dr. Hechtman sees patients of all ages, including seniors, and we offer affordable dental membership plans for patients without insurance benefits.
Our services include:
• Preventive care & cleanings
• Cosmetic dentistry
• Restorations and treatments
• Children’s dentistry
Call today to book your visit.
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1 How Often Do Americans Brush? A Look at Oral Care Habits by Kineree Shah, 1/21/2025
Link: https://yougov.com/en-us/articles/51427-how-often-do-americans-brush-a-look-at-oral-care-habits
2 What Percentage of Americans Floss Daily? 12/7/2025
Link: https://biologyinsights.com/what-percentage-of-americans-floss-daily/
3, 4, 5 Lyon College Researcher Explores Link Between Oral Health and Alzheimer’s Disease, 12/10/2025
Link: https://www.lyon.edu/news/posts/lyon-college-researcher-explores-link-between-oral-health-and-alzheimers-disease
6 Can Brushing Your Teeth Impact Dementia? The Relationship Between Oral Health and Alzheimer’s by Gabriella Mouris. 11/3/2025
Link: https://www.thecolumbiasciencereview.com/online-articles/can-brushing-your-teeth-impact-dementia-the-relationship-between-oral-health-and-alzheimers