Studies have already shown that people with periodontitis (the most serious form of gum disease) had more risk of cancer. A new study presented last week at the Experimental Biology Congresssuggests that bacteria that attack the gums migrate through the body and increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
A bacterium found in the brain
“Oral hygiene is very important throughout our lives, not only to have a beautiful smile, but also to reduce the risk of many serious diseases”, said Professor Jan Potempa, of the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Louisville (United States). While some researchers had already noted the presence of the bacterium P. gingivalis in brain samples from patients with Alzheimer’s disease, Prof. Potempa’s team reported new findings on how this bacterium travels throughout the body, exuding toxins linked to Alzheimer’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
These new findings highlight the importance ofgood dental hygiene.
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