There are around 800,000 people currently suffering from Alzheimer’s disease in the UK[i], which cost the UK £23 billion in 2012 for their care[ii]. A new study has found that patients with poor oral hygiene could be putting themselves at risk of developing the disease later in life. Providing your patients with advice on how to look after their own oral hygiene could potentially help lessen this risk.

Researchers from The University of Central Lancashire School of Medicine and Dentistry discovered a link between the disease and poor oral hygiene. During the study brain samples of ten patients without dementia and ten patients suffering from dementia were examined. The academics discovered the presence of products from Porphyromonas gingivalis in the samples donated by the dementia sufferers.

P. gingivalis, as it is more commonly known, is a bacterium found in the oral cavity and linked to certain forms of periodontal diseases. These bacteria enter the bloodstream when patients eat, chew and brush their teeth on a daily basis, and following invasive dental treatment. After entering the bloodstream these bacteria then potentially enter the brain on a regular basis.

Following the discovery of P. gingivalis in the brain samples, the research suggests that every time these bacteria reach the brain they trigger an immune system response by already primed brain cells, causing them to release more chemicals that kill neurons. These changes in the brain, which are typical of Alzheimer’s disease, could be responsible for causing symptoms such as confusion and deteriorating memory[iii].

P. gingivalis also causes inflammation of the periodontium, leading to periodontal diseases. Periodontis is a common, progressive disease that affects the supporting structures of the teeth, which can cause loss of attachment to the bone and, of course, tooth loss. It has been shown that having excellent oral hygiene means periodontis can be prevented. A study to detect P. gingivalis on individuals with periodontis and those without, found that patients with periodontis were 112 times more likely to have the bacteria present[iv]. This study highlights the importance of oral hygiene, as it prevents periodontis from developing and P. gingivalis from being detected. In turn this means the bacteria cannot enter the bloodstream and into the brain, which research suggests, reduces the risk of the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

There are many products that you can recommend your patients use to keep their mouths healthy and free from periodontal diseases and P. gingivalis. Products, which can be used easily by a patient at home, include interdental brushes, toothbrushes, toothpastes and mouthwashes.

Patients of all ages should obviously be encouraged to brush their teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and food debris from interdental spaces. It is recommended that patients should spend two minutes brushing their teeth and that a toothbrush should be changed every three months. Older patients who may not have the dexterity to use a toothbrush or dental floss effectively should be encouraged to add an antiseptic mouthwash into their daily routine. This enables older patients to remove food debris efficiently and reduce bacteria in the mouth, helping to prevent the onset of periodontal diseases.

In addition, older patients are more likely to be at risk of xerostomia, which seriously increases the risk of dental disease. Mouthwashes that contain alcohol as a key ingredient are unsuitable for patients suffering from a dry or sensitive mouth, as alcohol can irritate oral tissues. For these patients a Chlorhexidine (CHX)-based mouthwash would be more appropriate as these mouthwashes are more effective at controlling bleeding, inflammation and sub-gingival plaque than other products.

However, patients using CHX-based products have reported side effects such as altered taste perception and staining of the teeth, gums and tongue. To combat these side effects, oral healthcare experts have worked extensively to create a more suitable mouthwash. One leading oral healthcare expert, Curaprox, created a mouthwash which is free of alcohol, free of foaming agent SLS and doesn’t come with any of the possible side effects that patients usually experience with CHX-based products. Their ‘gold standard’ Curasept ADS® range includes an alcohol-free mouthwash as well as SLS-free toothpastes and gels.

The Alzheimer’s Society supports the theory that good oral hygiene could help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s in the future, but believes more research is needed into the area. The Society recommends that one of the best ways to reduce the risk of dementia is to lead a healthy lifestyle. This means eating a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and oily fish, enjoying regular exercise and not smoking[1].

As a dental professional, encouraging your patients to care for their oral health at home should be part of every day practise. But given the findings of the research, encouraging patients to care for their oral health should become even more prevalent if it can potentially reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s later in life.

For more information, please call 01480 862084, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit www.curaprox.co.uk