{"id":382,"date":"2025-06-15T07:52:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-15T07:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ridgepointedental.com\/blog\/?p=382"},"modified":"2025-07-15T07:55:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T07:55:11","slug":"can-good-oral-health-benefit-cognitive-function","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ridgepointedental.com\/blog\/2025\/06\/15\/can-good-oral-health-benefit-cognitive-function\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Good Oral Health Benefit Cognitive Function?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"Older<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

We know that brushing and flossing are essential for preventing cavities and gum disease, but could taking care of your teeth also help protect your memory? A study<\/a> published in the summer of 2023 by the American Academy of Neurology suggests that maintaining good oral health may be linked to less brain shrinkage in the hippocampus\u2014the part of your brain responsible for storing short-term memories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what you should know about the connection between your oral health<\/a> and your brain health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What the Research Shows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The study followed hundreds of older adults and found that those with gum disease and tooth loss had higher rates of hippocampal shrinkage. This area of the brain plays a major role in memory and learning, and its shrinkage is often associated with Alzheimer\u2019s disease and cognitive decline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While more research is needed to fully understand the link, the findings suggest that taking care of your teeth and gums could support brain health as you age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Oral Health Affects Your Brain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a chronic infection that can lead to inflammation throughout your body. Chronic inflammation has been linked to various health concerns, including heart disease and cognitive decline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When bacteria from gum disease enter the bloodstream, they may affect brain health by increasing inflammation or contributing to the buildup of harmful plaques associated with Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Additionally, tooth loss can impact chewing and nutrition, which also play roles in cognitive health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How You Can Protect Your Oral and Brain Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Taking simple steps to care for your teeth and gums can make a big difference in your overall health. Here\u2019s what you can do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n