Brush teeth properly may be linked to lower risk of dementia and other conditions

At the AAAS conference experts reported growing evidence that gum disease and oral bacteria are linked to inflammation affecting organs across the body and may be associated with more than 50 systemic conditions, including dementia, rheumatoid arthritis and some cancers.

Experts at the American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting outlined research connecting oral health and gum disease to inflammation and a range of conditions across the body. They said the relationship is still being studied but that oral bacteria and periodontitis are associated with effects in the brain, joints and gut. Presenters described animal studies and human observational findings that suggest oral pathogens can influence systemic inflammation. The panel also discussed rising tooth decay and gum disease trends in some populations and considered broader social and economic implications. What experts reported: - Researchers said poor oral health and periodontitis are linked to more than 50 systemic conditions, with dementia, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, stroke and diabetes among those mentioned. - Studies in mice were reported to show that periodontitis can increase brain inflammation and that pathogenic oral bacteria can cross the blood‑brain barrier, particularly in older animals. - Speakers described evidence that pathogens involved in gum disease may play a role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. - Oral bacteria were reported to influence the gut microbiome and were linked by presenters to inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer risk. - Data from the Oral Health Survey for England were cited showing tooth decay prevalence fell between 1998 and 2009 but rose again by 2023, and that many adults show signs of periodontal disease. - The panel noted dietary and social changes such as increased processed foods and food delivery services as factors discussed in relation to oral health trends, and a taskforce is working to estimate economic and social benefits of improving oral health. Summary: The panel described growing evidence that oral bacteria and gum disease are associated with inflammation that may affect multiple organs and be linked to many systemic conditions. Presenters emphasised that research is ongoing and that causal pathways are not yet fully settled. The group called for international collaboration and for further study; a taskforce has been formed to assess the social and economic impacts of improving oral health.