What Does Gum Disease Have to Do With Alzheimer's?

Regular brushing and flossing might not just keep your mouth in good shape—they might also be good for your brain.

Hosted by: Brit Garner
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[Master_Therion]

Don't forget to brush your teeth or else you'll... forget to brush your teeth.

[juanbacisneros]

I am increasingly valuing the fact that you give references. It is sth that not everyone does, and yet it is as important as the video itself! Thanks!

[BrainsApplied]

*GODDAMNIT* I was just brushing my teeth and my gums felt sensitive for some reason.
Thanks guys! No sleep for me tonight

[that_teegor]

As someone who's got a family history of Alzheimer's and someone who's living with someone going through the middle phases of the disease, any hope is almost painful, but... please be a thing.

[legacyoflore]

Perhaps do a video on the effects of self-isolation or isolation with only your family, as we are experiencing now, with lockdowns all over the world?

[southhill]

Huh, back in my teens I went through a phase where I rarely brushed my teeth (stupid, yes I know), and when I would my gums would start to bleed. Some years later I developed a cyst in my head (not pleasant, I tell ya); hearing this makes me wonder if there's some connection there.

[NewMessage]

Oh great... I have periodontal disease, so this news does not make me wanna smile.

[TheSheekeyScienceShow]

I remember reading this study when it came out. Given that Alzheimer's is predicted to affect more than 135M people by 2050 and there is currently no cure, I think it is great that studies like this are being performed. Great summary video.

[amanatee]

Fascinating episode, I love hearing about how different disease processes are connected! Thanks, SciShow [:

[stephw]

Ugh. The inherited perio issues from my mom’s side of the family are made even MORE fun now. I am way overdue for a perio appointment. I have no idea when I will be able to get in now.... 😷😣

[ntlrancholife]

"So kids, If you don't brush your teeth, your gums will rot and eat your brain !"

[ReginaldCarey]

we may find that many autoimmune diseases have a bacterial or viral or even prion cause. I wonder if little nasties in otherwise healthy nasal biomes contribute to MS. It’s the most direct access to the brain. Biology is awesome.

[thisoldtooth]

And while there isn’t a clear cause and effect relationship between gum disease and Alzheimer’s, there’s enough of a connection that people should exercise a bit of caution. Individuals that are having issues with their gums should treat them because all of these things point to the effects of gum disease and oral health on overall health. - Dr. Lisa Germain.

[KCH]

well, I'm scared now already new a heart connection but I guess shouldn't this surprise me.

[janedoe]

Pretty sure over consumption of carbohydrate is the real problem.

[Neontronique]

I love the new hair colour, she is such a great host. I love her voice and body language.

[RD-nqfl]

If you are experiencing gum disease please consult with a periodontist. I waited too long and ended up getting a bone graft and sinus lift in order to get implants which I had to take out a medical loan. Please do not try to repair gum disease on your own 😟 .

[alexandranorris]

Watching this while brushing my teeth - seems fitting

[sinecurve]

Could this also be a risk factor for depression?

[cassif]

Are we really sure that lack of hygiene is always the cause of periodontitis? Both my father and my boyfriend used to keep a good oral hygiene and still got it. Now that they have it, they're extremely mindful of their oral hygiene, never ever braking the rules, but it's not like it can go away.
And boyfriend's father has it too...
I wouldn't be surprised if there were genetic or other factors involved too