The Link Between Oral & Brain Health

A recently published study in Neurology (the journal of the American Academy of Neurology) has added fresh evidence to the growing connection between oral health and brain health. The researchers specifically examined how dental conditions—like gum disease and tooth loss—relate to structural changes in the brain’s hippocampus, an area critically involved in memory. Keep reading to learn more about this breakthrough research and why preventive dentistry is key.

What the Study Looked At

The research followed community‐dwelling adults over time, comparing their number of teeth, presence of periodontal (gum) disease, and changes in their hippocampal volume (a brain region tied to memory). Participants underwent dental exams and brain imaging (MRI) at baseline and again several years later to assess brain shrinkage or atrophy. The investigators adjusted for age and other factors to try to isolate the effect of oral health on hippocampal changes.

Key Findings

The study found that tooth loss and gum disease were associated with faster shrinkage of the hippocampus over time. In participants with mild gum disease, losing one additional tooth was linked to a detectable increase in rate of hippocampal shrinkage—equivalent to about one year of brain aging.

Interestingly, for people with severe gum disease, retaining more diseased teeth also correlated with greater hippocampal decline—suggesting that more teeth isn’t always better if they are compromised. The authors caution that while they observed associations, the research does not prove causation, meaning it doesn’t confirm that gum disease causes brain shrinkage.

Why This Study Matters

This study strengthens a growing body of work suggesting that oral health isn’t just about your mouth—it may influence how well your brain ages. It suggests that measuring oral health metrics, like number of teeth and periodontal disease markers, could serve as biomarkers for risks of neurological decline. It adds to the plausibility of biological pathways: chronic inflammation, oral bacteria entering the bloodstream, and immune responses may all play a role in brain tissue changes.

From a public health perspective, it points to oral hygiene as a potentially modifiable risk factor not just for dental disease, but for preserving brain health over time.

What You Can Do Today

• Maintain consistent oral hygiene: brush twice daily, floss, and use appropriate mouth rinses.
• Keep regular dental checkups and cleanings to identify and manage gum disease early.
• If you have untreated gum disease or missing teeth, discuss with your dentist interventions (like periodontal therapy or tooth replacement) that stabilize your oral health.
• Stay informed about research developments—but remember that association doesn’t equal causation, and many factors (diet, genetics, cardiovascular health) also affect brain aging.

The new study provides compelling evidence linking gum disease and tooth loss to hippocampal shrinkage over time. While it doesn’t settle the question of cause and effect, it bolsters the idea that a healthy mouth may help protect your brain. Taking care of your gums and teeth is not only good for your smile; it might just be good for your memory, too.

About the Practice

Are you looking for a dentist who will provide you with excellent preventive care to keep tooth decay and gum issues at bay? Turn to our experts at Advanced Dental Solutions of Pittsburgh! We can handle everything from routine checkups and cleanings to periodontal therapy and oral cancer screenings. After all, getting ahead of problems is the best way to solve them. If it’s been 6 months or more since your last visit to the dentist, schedule an appointment online or call (412) 854-2310.