New Study: Tooth Loss Linked to Cognitive Decline

In one of the largest studies conducted to date, researchers at Boston University are linking tooth loss and periodontal disease to cognitive decline.  The comparison of medical, dental, and cognitive test records spanned 20+ years.    The study looked for patterns in dental records to determine if periodontal disease and tooth loss determined how patients performed on cognitive tests.  Results showed that for each tooth lost per decade the risk of performing poorly on the cognitive test increased by approximately 10%.  More cavities usually meant lower cognition too, while patients with no tooth loss tended to do better on the tests.  Inflammation was cited as a possible cause noting that other studies have found higher levels of inflammation in patients with Alzheimer’s.  Periodontal disease and tooth decay are infectious diseases that introduce inflammatory proteins into the blood.  There is much circumstantial evidence that inflammation raises your risk of cognitive decline.  These findings should give patients and dentists another reason to fight to prevent tooth loss and periodontal disease through regular check-ups and a good home care routine.