Periodontitis and Dementia?

A growing amount of research points to the relationship between severe gum disease (periodontitis) and problems such as dementia.

• In a Taiwanese study of more than 3,000 patients to see how periodontitis could impact the risk for dementia, findings provided new evidence that those patients with periodontitis had higher risks of developing dementia than patients without the disease.

• A Granada, Spain study of 400 individuals (reported in the Journal Of Periodontology February 2015) concluded that “periodontitis appears to be associated with cognitive impairment after controlling for confounders such as age, sex, and education level.”

• A much smaller study (60 patients) in the U.K. adds to the growing body of evidence, showing a relationship between poor dental health and cognitive impairment.

As the research continues, so do our efforts to fight gum disease. The Pennsylvania Center for Dental Implants and Periodontics urges individuals with poor dental hygiene to take the first step toward a healthier future by coming in for a consultation. We offer today’s newest, safest and least invasive methods of treating gum disease, like LANAP®, the “no cut, no sew, no fear” laser assisted procedure with little, if any discomfort. Need more convincing? Check out one patient’s experience with this revolutionary treatment.

Footnote from Dr. Fava: A growing body of evidence is showing that not only periodontal disease, but tooth loss in general, leads to poorer outcomes in regards to cognitive abilities in the sixth and seventh decades of life. This puts a real emphasis on treating your periodontal disease and keeping or replacing your teeth. Let’s keep those “golden years” golden!