My mother has alzheimers. It’s gotten bad enough that we’ve taken over her care. When I took her to the dentist last week he said that she has serious gum disease. She’s gone to the dentist once a year her entire life and her dentist never mentioned gum disease. Now, I read an article that says gum disease can lead to Alzheimers. Did her dentist’s neglect give her gum disease?
Sunni
Dear Sunni,
I think I know the study you are talking about. Let me sum it up here for others who may be reading this post.
A study published in the journal Science explored a possible connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease, focusing on a bacterium called Porphyromonas gingivalis. This bacterium is commonly found in cases of chronic gum disease and thrives in low-oxygen environments, such as deep gum pockets. These pockets are caused by inflammation and poor oral hygiene.
The bacterium produces harmful toxins known as gingipains, which contribute to the breakdown of gum tissue and bone. Researchers found both the bacteria and these toxins present in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, where they appear to play a role in disrupting normal brain function.
Further experiments done on mice, showed that when mice were infected with P. gingivalis in the gums, the bacteria spread to the brain and triggered the production of amyloid plaques—protein buildups that interfere with communication between brain cells. While this research does not definitively prove that gum disease causes Alzheimer’s, it suggests a meaningful link and does warrant that scientists look into this further.
That being said. gum disease is damaging enough even without the connection, and preventing it is an essential part of oral health care.
As for any neglect on her dentist’s part, that’s tricky. You couldn’t say, even if he was neglectful of her care, that he caused her to get Alzheimers. It’s also possible that he had been telling your mother about her gum disease and she was ignoring his advice. You mentioned she was going to the dentist once a year, while the minimum recommendation is twice a year. Treating gum disease would mean going in even more. It’s possible she just didn’t want to.
Now that you’re aware of the situation she is in, you will want to get aggressive at treating it. Otherwise she will end up losing her teeth and then you’re looking at dentures or dental implants.
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