Poor oral hygiene is the root cause of oral disease, which also includes oral cancer and periodontal or gum disease. More research is demonstrating that oral disease plays a crucial role in the progression of other diseases like colon cancer and heart disease, despite the fact that its systemic effects are not immediately apparent to the average person. In a recent article, Dr. Alpdogan Kantarci and associates from the Forsyth Institute linked gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease in the Journal of Neuroinflammation.
Kantarci and colleagues from Boston University discovered that plaque formation, a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease, is the result of gum disease. The research team demonstrated in their report that gum disease can alter immune and microglial cells in the brain. The defense of the brain against infections and intruders, such as amyloid plaque, is provided by microglial cells. These cells specifically digest amyloid plaque, so if they are changed to prevent their ability to function or perish, there will be a buildup of amino acids. It’s interesting to note that amyloid plaque is what aids in cell death in those who have Alzheimer. The cognitive capacity of the Alzheimer’s patient declines as amyloid plaque rises and cell death does as well.
The study by Kantarci and colleagues explains how gum disease-related plaque can enter the brain and alter microglial cells. Gum disease has been linked to brain inflammation, which has raised questions about whether gum disease affects microglial cells. After conducting a number of tests, Kantarci and colleagues discovered that while amyloid plaque is digested by microglial cells, too much of it can cause them to become overstimulated and stop functioning properly. It appears as though the microglial cells” ate” too many bacteria and are unable to consume any more as a result. Microglial cells’ function is neutralized by overstimulation, which can also kill them and promote the accumulation of more amyloid plaque.
Lesions form in the mouth as a result of gum disease, and the bacteria then spread through your gums and blood / brain barrier to the brain. Then it was found by researchers that microglial cells overstimulated while attempting to kill the invading bacteria. Researchers confirmed that bacteria from gum disease enter the brain and are then targeted by microglial cells, altering function, using mouse models.
Our understanding of how oral disease affects the rest of the body depends on this study. Kantarci and colleagues presented the mechanism underlying oral disease, which can directly affect the brain, for the first time. This study can aid in the creation of more creative and focused treatments for patients with Alzheimer’s and gum disease. More importantly, it can inform patients about how gum disease can raise their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. According to this study, people can take preventative measures to lessen neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, which indirectly lowers their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Overall, this research demonstrates the long-term effects of gum disease and the significance of maintaining good oral hygiene.
Journal of Neuroinflammation, Forsyth Institute, Alpdogan Kantarci, and Paper