{"id":730,"date":"2026-06-25T04:25:21","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T04:25:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodmandentalcare.com\/blog\/gum-disease-and-brain-awareness-month\/"},"modified":"2026-06-25T04:25:21","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T04:25:21","slug":"gum-disease-and-brain-awareness-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodmandentalcare.com\/blog\/gum-disease-and-brain-awareness-month\/","title":{"rendered":"Alzheimer\u2019s Awareness Month: How to Keep Your Smile & Brain Healthy"},"content":{"rendered":"
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June is Alzheimer\u2019s and Brain Health Awareness Month. While it might seem odd for a dentist to discuss this topic, there is a close connection between a person\u2019s cognitive well-being and their smile. What is the link? Gum disease<\/a>. Keep reading to learn how the problems in your mouth can negatively affect your brain and what you can do to keep both areas of your body healthy in the long run.<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Gum Disease & Alzheimer\u2019s: What Links the Two?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It all comes down to a specific bacterium, Fusobacterium nucleatum, which is present in people with gum disease. It targets the bone and soft oral tissues, causing deterioration, infection, and ultimately tooth loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a study published in 2022 by researchers at Tufts University, it is believed that this same bacteria is also linked to Alzheimer\u2019s disease. Its ability to produce inflammation and intensify Alzheimer\u2019s symptoms makes it a cause for concern among individuals living with gum infections who are experiencing cognitive decline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These researchers believe targeting the bacteria can slow the progression of both diseases; however, they also admit that more research is necessary, especially since there is nothing to suggest that F. nucleatum is solely responsible for Alzheimer\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can You Do to Improve Oral & Brain Health?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you want to lower your risk of developing gum disease and Alzheimer\u2019s, you will need to adopt various practices to ensure your brain and smile stay in the best possible shape. You can do this by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n