{"id":102,"date":"2024-07-18T05:46:41","date_gmt":"2024-07-18T05:46:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.myparksfamilydental.com\/blog\/?p=102"},"modified":"2024-08-09T05:49:22","modified_gmt":"2024-08-09T05:49:22","slug":"the-connection-between-good-oral-hygiene-and-memory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myparksfamilydental.com\/blog\/the-connection-between-good-oral-hygiene-and-memory\/","title":{"rendered":"Remember Your Smile: The Connection Between Good Dental Hygiene & Memory"},"content":{"rendered":"
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In many cases, most folks just hope their grin is memorable. They want others to be impressed by their clean and healthy<\/a> smile. However, there\u2019s a rather strong connection between good oral hygiene and memory itself. New research implies a strong and vibrant mouth also helps you recall short-term memories. As for the details, your Lincoln dentist will gladly explain. Here\u2019s a primer on how a healthy smile strengthens your memory, why the two are linked, and ways to protect your oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Healthy Smile = Strong Memory<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Based on the latest science, a strong smile benefits more than your mouth. It seems that good oral health promotes good brain health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This conclusion is rooted in a 2023 study published in Neurology<\/em>\u00ae, <\/em>the American Academy of Neurology medical journal. Researchers found that gum disease and tooth loss were often linked to a shrunken hippocampus, which plays a role in memory and Alzheimer’s disease. In particular, the number of teeth lost and amount of infected gums predicted changes in the brain region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, the study authors weren\u2019t saying gum disease and tooth loss cause memory issues. They emphasized that their research only shows an association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Your Mouth & Brain Relate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Citing the study above, many scientists believe that a mouth\u2019s health affects the brain. The state of your smile will impact your memory recall and other cognitive skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The top theory for why the mouth and brain relate points to inflammation. More specifically, the idea is that bacteria that cause gum disease can spread to other organs. These microbes can likely inflame your brain tissue \u2013 including the hippocampus \u2013 and make it shrink, leading to a decline in memory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Keep Your Mouth Healthy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Given this latest research, you should keep your mouth healthy so your brain stays sharp. All you need to do is follow tips like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n