Recent research has shown a clear connection between long-term gum disease and the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. Experts have established that patients with periodontitis (gum disease) for ten years of more are up to 70% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those without.
Chronic cases of gum disease can cause:
– Severe inflammation of gums
– Damage to teeth and tooth enamel
– Possible deterioration in mental ability
Although the research has proven “no overall link between periodontitis and Alzheimer’s”, any sign of gum disease is something your dentist should be made aware of. A full article on the research can be read at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/long-term-gum-disease-linked-to-alzheimers-disease_us_59974d9de4b0a2608a6c768a.