A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society this past week found an interesting connection between teeth brushing and dementia, particularly in women. This study was conducted over 18 years and involved more than 5000 participants with an average age of 81. The researchers found that women who brushed their teeth three times a day were 22-65% less likely to develop dementia over the 18 years than those who brushed their teeth less than once a day.
The number of teeth people had was also found to be important. Men who kept more of their own teeth were less likely to develop dementia, and those who did lose their teeth but wore dentures were also less likely to develop dementia.
Going to the dentist also demonstrated a protective benefit. Men who did not go to the dentist in the last year were 89% more likely to develop dementia than men who went two or more times in the last year. Interestingly, flossing or using mouthwash showed no effect on dementia rates.
The study did take into account lifestyle factors such as exercise, body mass index and smoking. This is important because we can't then assume that the reduced risk of dementia was simply caused by being conscientious about other health factors.
Finally, it's important to note that this study didn't prove causation- it showed a strong association between teeth brushing and reduced dementia risk. Why might there be a connection here? One possible theory points to research that showed that better oral health was associated with a decreased risk for stroke, one of the leading causes of vascular dementia. Another hypothesis could be that early dementia (not yet diagnosed) causes reduced teeth brushing.
Regardless, it's another good reason to brush our teeth and visit our friendly dentist. Everyone around us will be thankful, and just maybe we're helping reduce our risk for developing dementia.
I am sure this article was written by a dentist, I find it totally ridiculous after having spent the last ten years helping to care for a husband in an Alzheimers Nursing Home, and being in the position to observe many many Alzheimer sufferers.
Dear Louise,
I can only imagine the insights you’ve gained from caring for your husband and observing many others for the last ten years, and I appreciate your frustration with what may seem to be too simple and not realistic solutions for preventing dementia.
If it helps any to know the context of the research, the 18 year study looked at many different factors- hypertension, activities, cardiovascular health, alcohol and more. The dental and oral health information was just one of the conclusions from the study that was quite significant in its results, and thus worthy of sharing. To address your comment questioning the author of the study’s report- that particular report was written by three people-two dentists, one of whom is also a PhD, and a third individual who is a PhD.
Thanks for writing in with your opinion. I wish you the best.
Long 18 years` observations are acceptable .
My experience is that octogenerians can
brush their teeth thrice a day — morning ,
after lunch & after dinner . But others should
brush in the morning & after dinner . Oral health
helps prevent heart disease , dementia &
osteoporosis . As the healthy teeth smash all
the foods , people with this good habit of
brushing donot suffer from indigestion ,
gas & acidity .