The relationship between dementia and bad breath

Christine’s mom lived in Highland her whole life and on her own well into her 70s. She was still healthy and strong, but she was showing signs of dementia.

“I would bring her food but she would forget to eat it and she was getting confused about many things,” Christine said. “And her breath was awful. You could smell it from a couple feet away.”

Christine thought her mom was simply forgetting to brush her teeth, which accounted for the odor. While that may be true, there is a greater concern. Researchers have found links between oral bacteria and dementia.

A growing body of evidence

Research has already found links between bacteria in the mouth and heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis and other diseases. It should be no surprise that it may be linked with dementia, the sixth leading cause of death in America. 

A buildup of oral bacteria weakens healthy gums, allowing the bacteria to enter the bloodstream, which travels throughout the body, including the brain. This process was discovered in mice, which prompted studies involving humans. In one study, brain tissue from 40 percent of people with dementia showed components of oral bacteria; those components were not present in those without dementia.

More recent studies along these lines indicate that one of the key bacteria that cause gum disease may also be the root cause of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Though no reputable researcher is willing to say “brushing your teeth regularly can prevent dementia,” they are saying this is one more reason to take care of your oral health. Some companies are already responding to this research by creating dental care products that can help combat this. Periodontal treatment involves examining the oral environment for problematic areas that can harbor bacteria. Our periodontist Dr. Mark Isler is a “gum specialist” and well versed in the latest findings and treatment options. Do your research and talk to us in the office, because we are staying on top of new findings, too.