I was reading a new study about a link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s. We often treat periodontitis or gum disease in our patients. It is common in older people and may become more common in Alzheimer’s disease because of a reduced ability to take care of oral hygiene as the disease progresses. When you have higher levels of antibodies to periodontal bacteria the study found an associated increase in levels of inflammatory molecules elsewhere in the body, which in turn has been linked to greater rates of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease in previous studies. This latest study set out to determine whether periodontitis or gum disease is associated with increased dementia severity and subsequent greater progression of cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer’s disease. The study revealed that the presence of gum disease at baseline was associated with a six-fold increase in the rate of cognitive decline in participants over the six-month follow-up period of the study. Periodontitis at baseline was also associated with a relative increase in the pro-inflammatory state over the six-month follow-up period. The authors conclude that gum disease is associated with an increase in cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease, possibly via mechanisms linked to the body’s inflammatory response. More and more studies link the body’s inflammatory response to increased rates of cognitive decline, suggesting that we should explore whether the treatment of gum disease might also benefit the treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Professor Clive Holmes, senior author from the University of Southampton, says: “These are very interesting results which build on previous work we have done that shows that chronic inflammatory conditions have a detrimental effect on disease progression in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Our study was small and lasted for six months so further trials need to be carried out to develop these results. However, if there is a direct relationship between periodontitis and cognitive decline, as this current study suggests, then treatment of gum disease might be a possible treatment option for Alzheimer’s.” Dr. Mark Ide, says: “A number of studies have shown that having few teeth, possibly as a consequence of earlier gum disease, is associated with a greater risk of developing dementia. We also believe, based on various research findings, that the presence of teeth with active gum disease results in higher body-wide levels of the sorts of inflammatory molecules which have also been associated with an elevated risk of other outcomes such as cognitive decline or cardiovascular disease. Research has suggested that effective gum treatment can reduce the levels of these molecules closer to that seen in a healthy state. The full study, "Periodontitis and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease," was published here http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0151081 
TLDR; Yes, you should brush your teeth after using whitening strips—but wait at least 30 minutes before doing so. Brushing too soon can damage softened enamel and increase sensitivity. What Are Whitening Strips and How Do They Work? Whitening strips are thin, flexible pieces of plastic coated with a peroxide-based gel. When applied to your […]
TLDR; To speed up wisdom teeth recovery, focus on preserving the blood clot, minimizing swelling, and maintaining gentle oral hygiene. Use cold compresses during the first 48 hours, follow a soft-food diet, stay hydrated, avoid straws or smoking, and rest with your head elevated. The Wisdom Teeth Recovery Timeline: What to Expect and When Recovery […]
TLDR; Even if you brush your teeth daily, they can still appear yellow due to enamel thinning, genetic factors, lifestyle habits like coffee or tobacco use, or internal stains that brushing can’t remove. Brushing helps with surface stains, but not all discoloration is due to poor hygiene or lack of effort. Understanding Why Teeth Stay […]
TLDR; Coffee stains teeth because it contains tannins that bind to enamel. You can remove these stains with at-home remedies like baking soda or activated charcoal, or through professional treatments such as in-office whitening. Prevent stains by rinsing after drinking coffee and maintaining good oral hygiene. Why Does Coffee Stain Teeth? Coffee contains tannins—natural compounds […]
TLDR; No, you should not drink coffee immediately after wisdom teeth removal. It’s safest to avoid it for the first 3 days to prevent complications like dry socket. After that, you may gradually reintroduce lukewarm, non-acidic coffee depending on your healing progress and your dentist’s advice. Coffee After Oral Surgery: What You Need to Know […]
TLDR; Wisdom teeth removal without anesthesia is extremely painful and not recommended for most people. You’ll feel every incision, pull, and twist during the procedure, which can lead to physical trauma and psychological stress, along with serious recovery complications. What Are Wisdom Teeth and Why They’re Removed Wisdom teeth, or third molars, typically emerge between […]
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