Oral health is about far more than your teeth, gums and mouth. Your body is one interconnected system, meaning your mouth plays a pivotal role in your overall health.
Poor oral hygiene, particularly chronic gum disease, has already been linked to systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes complications.
A growing body of evidence now suggests a possible connection between oral health and Alzheimer’s disease, raising important questions about how gum disease may influence your brain health.
Can gum disease cause other health issues?
Yes. Your mouth is home to a diverse bacterial community. When oral hygiene is neglected, harmful bacteria can flourish, triggering systemic inflammation and infection.
In cases of advanced gum disease (periodontitis), these bacteria may easily enter the bloodstream while you’re brushing or chewing. Once in the bloodstream, they can travel to distant organs – including the brain.
Oral health and Alzheimer’s: what’s the connection?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition marked by memory loss and cognitive decline. Chronic periodontitis is now recognised as a risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease.
When gum disease develops, we find growing numbers of certain types of bacteria that contribute to inflammation and tissue breakdown.
One of these is Porphyromonas gingivalis. It’s linked to gum disease, but has also been detected in the brain tissue of individuals with Alzheimer’s. These findings have led researchers to explore the link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s more closely.
What does the research say?
A 2019 study published in Science Advances found toxic enzymes from P. gingivalis (known as gingipains) in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s. In laboratory models, infection with this bacterium led to brain inflammation and increased production of amyloid beta, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s pathology.
A later study published in the British Dental Journal in 2022 reviewed the evidence linking Alzheimer’s and oral health, noting that individuals with chronic gum disease may experience accelerated cognitive decline.
While more research is needed, these findings reinforce the idea that gum disease complications may extend far beyond the mouth.
Why oral care matters
Good oral hygiene helps to promote long-term wellbeing and may reduce the risk of developing several serious conditions.
Key habits include:
- Twice-daily brushing and flossing
- Regular dental check-ups
- Managing dry mouth and oral pH
- Addressing early signs of gum inflammation
- Avoiding smoking and excess sugar.
The mouth is not separate from the body. Oral health may be one of the gateways to preserving brain function as we age.
How can Myospots help?
Used as part of a regular oral care routine, Myospots Natural Toothpaste may help reduce the bacterial burden in the mouth, support gum health, and contribute to overall oral cleanliness, potentially lowering the risk of systemic issues that may stem from chronic oral infection.
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Disclaimer
All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice.
References
- Lee, S., Zhang, Y., & Hajishengallis, G. (2025). Oral pathogens and the brain: Mechanistic pathways and links to neurodegeneration. Cell Reports Medicine, 6(3), 100010. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2025.100010, [Accessed 23 July 2025]
- Dementia Australia. (n.d.). Alzheimer’s disease: everything you need to know. https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/alzheimers-disease-everything-you-need-know, [Accessed 23 July 2025]
- Dominy, S. S., Lynch, C., Ermini, F., Benedyk, M., Marczyk, A., Konradi, A., Nguyen, M., Haditsch, U., Raha, D., Griffin, C., Holsinger, L. J., Arastu‑Kapur, S., Kaba, S., Lee, A., Ryder, M. I., Potempa, B., Mydel, P., Hellvard, A., Adamowicz, K., … Walker, G. D. (2019). Porphyromonas gingivalis in Alzheimer’s disease brains: Evidence for disease causation and treatment with small‑molecule inhibitors. Science Advances, 5(1), eaau3333. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aau3333, [Accessed 23 July 2025]
- British Dental Journal, 2022, Stronger connections made between oral health and Alzheimer’s disease. BDJ Team. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41407-022-1661-9, [Accessed 23 July 2025]
