Let’s talk about the relationship between oral care and breain health, plus tips and recommendations from Dr. Laura Kostrzewski, doctor of naturopathic medicine and co-founder of Avenua Natural Health.
By Joshua Sosin
Oral care and brain health might not sound like they’re connected, but science paints a different picture. When we look at the research, it’s clear that there’s a major link between the health of your mouth and the health of your brain. We now know that when you don’t pay attention to oral hygiene, you set the stage for issues like cognitive decline, inflammation, and other serious problems.
Here’s what you need to know about how mouth health and brain health are linked, along with tips and recommendations from Dr. Laura Kostrzewski, a doctor of naturopathic medicine and the co-founder and owner of Avena Natural Health.
1. Gum Disease and Cognitive Decline
When plaque builds up on your teeth, it can lead to inflammation and even infection in your gums. When this issue doesn’t get treated, the bacteria that cause gum disease can move from your mouth into your bloodstream. From there, these bacteria can access your brain. “We know that your mouth is near your brain,” says Dr. Kostrzewski, “And when you have poor oral health, there’s a direct route for organisms to escape your mouth and reach your brain.”
In addition, research shows that people with chronic gum disease may have a higher risk of developing cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s. It’s believed that bacteria can trigger an inflammatory response that damages brain cells as time passes. This is just one reason to be especially proactive about your oral health — neglecting it might mean ending up in a center for memory care in San Diego when you’re older.
2. Mouth Inflammation: How It Affects Your Brain
You probably already know that inflammation is the key player behind many chronic diseases — including diseases that affect your brain. This inflammatory response can be triggered by bacteria that grow and thrive in an unhealthy mouth.
This process can start when you don’t take good care of your teeth. As a result, bacteria from your mouth can enter your bloodstream. In response, your body produces inflammatory markers like cytokines — compounds that are linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
3. Can Fillings Cause Cognitive Problems?
“This piece of the puzzle is controversial,” says Dr. Kostrzewski, “but some research links mercury fillings, root canals, and other dental procedure work to negative brain health because small amounts of mercury are released into the mouth, which has immediate access to the brain.”
Mercury exposure is directly linked to cognitive decline by peer-reviewed research. Some studies indicate that high levels of mercury in a person’s body may be linked to memory problems, trouble concentrating, and limited cognitive functioning overall.
While more research is needed to confirm the role that mercury from fillings and other dental work might play in oral health, there’s enough data present to warrant concern. In response, Dr. Kostrzewski says, “Holistic dentistry can help with this to avoid absorption of mercury. However, it’s very expensive, and may not be accessible for everyone.” She primarily recommends taking measures at home to keep your teeth as healthy as possible.
4. Taking Care of Your Teeth: The Most Important Steps
It’s clear that the health of your mouth plays a big role in the health of your brain — which is a major reason to prioritize daily oral care. Dr. Kostrzewski makes some simple, practical recommendations that can help you improve your oral hygiene.
First, she recommends brushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day. “Flossing is important at least once a day to break down biofilms — what certain bacteria pump out to protect themselves,” Dr Kostrzewski says. “Inside of this film, bacteria evade detection more easily.”
However, Dr. Kostrzewski makes it clear that not all floss is the same. Many contain PFAs, also known as forever chemicals, which are linked to many whole-body health risks. Dr. Kostrzewski recommends brands like SeekBamboo, which offer PFA-free alternatives to typical drugstore floss.
In addition, Dr. Kostrzewski recommends choosing toothpaste carefully, avoiding fluoride whenever possible. “Fluoride disrupts hormones that are responsible for brain development,” she says. “Go fluoride-free. There are other ways to remineralize your teeth.”
The Bottom Line on Oral and Brain Health
Your brain and your mouth are more closely linked than you may have expected. Based on the close relationship between the health of one and the well-being of the other, there’s no reason to delay making daily teeth care a priority. Start by taking the simple steps that Dr. Kostrzewski recommends: brushing and flossing using PFA-free, fluoride-free products. In addition, if holistic dentistry is an option that falls within your budget, there’s a strong case to be made for that approach. If not, do whatever you can to keep your teeth healthy through daily care.