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Good oral health may help protect against Alzheimer’s

Parkway Dental Center • Apr 12, 2021

Gingivitis (gum disease) has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, but a recent study says that the bacteria that cause gingivitis also may be connected to Alzheimer's disease. The study was published Jan. 23, 2019, in Science Advances.

Scientists have previously found that this species of bacteria, called Porphyromonas gingivalis , can move from the mouth to the brain. Once in the brain, the bacteria release enzymes called gingipains that can destroy nerve cells, which in turn can lead to memory loss and eventually Alzheimer's.

In this study, researchers looked for evidence of this process in human brains. They examined the brains of 53 deceased people who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and found high levels of gingipain in almost all of them. They also noted that the amount of gingipain tended to rise over time, which suggests there may be a tipping point when dementia symptoms first begin.

The next research step is to see if a drug can block these harmful bacterial enzymes and possibly stop Alzheimer's from developing or at least slow its progression. Until then, you can do your part by fighting gingivitis with strong oral health habits, including daily flossing and brushing twice a day and staying current on regular dental check-ups.

(Source: Harvard Health Publishing - Published: September, 2019)

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Does Invisalign Fix Overbite?

By Design Team • 13 Jan, 2023

Invisalign is a groundbreaking cosmetic dentistry treatment that has recently gained popularity as a comfortable and discreet way to fix misaligned teeth. It utilizes custom-made, clear aligners worn over the teeth for most of the day. Your teeth will be gradually realigned with aligner trays, like braces.People frequently utilize aligners to treat overbites. An overbite occurs when the upper teeth protrude out, affecting both adults and children. People may want to correct an overbite for cosmetic reasons or because it irritates their teeth, gums, or tongue. 70% of kids reportedly exhibit overbite symptoms, according to the American Dental Association. Overbites are usually inherited. However, there are other potential causes of an overbite, such as irregular newborn tooth development and excessive thumb or pacifier sucking. You should visit your Minneapolis dentist if you suspect that you or any family member have an overbite. Your dentist in Minneapolis, MN, will recommend an overbite correction technique based on the kind and severity of your malocclusion. Can Invisalign fix an overbite? This question is answered below, along with other popular questions about overbite. Read on to find out!