Does Gum Disease Lead to Alzheimers?

Question submitted by: Laura

My mother has Alzheimers and I have lived terrified of developing it myself. I recently saw a news story where they hinted that gum disease can lead to Alzheimers. Is this actually true? I don’t know if I have gum disease, but I haven’t been to the dentist in years because I have pretty severe dental anxiety.

Dear Laura,

I am sorry about your mother. That is so hard. I’m glad you wrote. There are some recent studies that have pointed to the fact that gum disease con be a contributor toward Alzheimers. I don’t know that it is definitive, but it does tend to imply we need to look into this connection more.

Even if it didn’t, there are other very serious health reasons that you would want to deal with gum disease. There have been clear ties between that and systemic issues such as heart disease or stroke. There is also the problem with it that if it goes untreated then you will end up losing your teeth.

Knowing all of that does not make your dental anxiety any easier. Because of that I wanted to make sure you knew about dental sedation. This will allow you to get an anxiety free and pain free dental appointment, which will go a long way in helping you deal with your dental anxiety.

People who have avoided dental care for years find that using dental sedation had completely change their lives. I’d like you to try that and see if it will help you feel better about going. There are different levels of dental sedation. Which you use will depend on the amount of anxiety you are dealing with.

This will help you get caught up on your dental care and find out if you have gum disease. Treating it is possible. This can at least help you get peace of mind for one possible avenue toward Alzheimers.

This blog is brought to you by Tucson Prosthodontist Dr. Howard Steinberg.
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