An Important and Overlooked Cause of Alzheimer’s

Dentists could play a critical role in helping us avoid dementia, but most of them don't even know it

Bacteria from inflamed gums can enter in to the blood stream and affect other organs such as brain. Shutterstock

Researchers have long linked gum disease to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Research has revealed that inflamed, bleeding gums are the entry point for disease-causing bacteria to get into the bloodstream and trigger issues that can lead to dementia.

That means dentists could be a first line of defense against cognitive decline—if only more of them recognized that possibility.