{"id":53798,"date":"2025-04-27T03:59:10","date_gmt":"2025-04-27T03:59:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/53798\/"},"modified":"2025-04-27T03:59:10","modified_gmt":"2025-04-27T03:59:10","slug":"how-your-mouth-can-predict-your-risk-of-dementia-and-9-ways-to-combat-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/53798\/","title":{"rendered":"How your MOUTH can predict your risk of dementia – and 9 ways to combat it"},"content":{"rendered":"

Your dentist has probably nagged you a million times to floss. But have they ever told you it could save your life? <\/p>\n

Keeping your mouth healthy reduces the risk of gum disease and tooth decay, and studies have shown these issues are linked to stroke<\/a>, diabetes<\/a>, heart disease<\/a> and dementia<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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From dementia to diabetes, experts reveal how keeping your teeth and gums super-clean is the secret to warding off disease.Credit: Getty<\/p>\n

Now, scientists are starting to understand why \u2013 by looking at the oral microbiome. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s the second most diverse community of microbes in the body, after your gut, with more than 700 species of bacteria<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A balanced microbiome is the result of good oral hygiene. <\/p>\n

\u201cImbalances between the good and bad bacteria can lead to oral health<\/a> issues, such as cavities or gum disease, and may contribute to conditions such as heart disease or diabetes,\u201d says Dr Sonia Rajput, general and cosmetic dentist at The London<\/a> Smile Clinic. <\/p>\n

A new test called Oralis 1 claims to be able to predict your risk of illness, by taking a sample of your saliva. <\/p>\n

At \u00a3350, it\u2019s not cheap, though, so we asked the experts how you can improve your oral microbiome for less.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Oral health<\/p>\n

Your oral microbiome is affected by everything it comes into contact with. <\/p>\n

\u201cThat includes eating, drinking, smoking<\/a> and even kissing,\u201d says Dr Smita Mehra, principal dentist at The Neem Tree Dental Practices.<\/p>\n

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Your oral microbiome is affected by everything it comes into contact with – and that includes kissingCredit: Getty<\/p>\n

Medications, age and hormonal changes<\/a> can have an impact, too, either directly or by changing saliva production. <\/p>\n

\u201cSaliva is important in providing optimal conditions for the oral microbiome,\u201d says Dr Safa Al-Naher, dentist and founder of Serene Dental in Knightsbridge, London.<\/p>\n

What your teeth can reveal about your health<\/p>\n

\u201cIt balances the pH, provides enzymes and has antimicrobials for fighting disease.\u201d <\/p>\n

“When it comes to mouthwash, use it for conditions like ulcers or gum disease. <\/p>\n

\u201cBut I wouldn\u2019t really use it unless your dentist has said you need to,\u201d says Dr Al-Naher. <\/p>\n

\u201cA lot of mouthwashes have high alcohol<\/a> levels, which can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your mouth.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

What\u2019s The Damage?\u00a0<\/p>\n

A healthy oral microbiome is the body\u2019s first line of defence against infection. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt creates a barrier that lowers the risk of disease-causing organisms from entering the digestive system and bloodstream,\u201d says Dr Mehra.<\/p>\n

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Flossing regularly may lower stroke risk by up to 44%, says the University of South CarolinaCredit: Getty<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, when the microbiome is out of balance, there\u2019s a greater risk of infectious diseases.\u201d <\/p>\n

Think colds, flu, even meningitis<\/a>. <\/p>\n

For years, the theory has been that inflammation is the driving force between oral health and serious conditions like stroke and dementia.<\/p>\n

In January, Japanese researchers found higher levels of the bacteria streptococcus anginosus \u2014 commonly found in the mouth and gut \u2014 among stroke victims, highlighting the \u201cimportance of preventing tooth decay\u201d. <\/p>\n

Around the same time, the University of South Carolina<\/a> declared flossing \u201ceasy and affordable\u201d, after finding people who flossed regularly had up to a 44% lower risk of stroke<\/a>. <\/p>\n

\u201cIf oral hygiene becomes poorly taken care of, harmful bacteria can invade the tissue in the mouth and trigger inflammatory chemicals to be released in the body,\u201d explains Dr Mehra. <\/p>\n

Some common bacteria (P gingivalis and F nucleatum) have been linked to cancer, and while most of us have them in our mouth, under circumstances such as poor oral hygiene, they may become harmful.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The warning signs<\/p>\n

Your dentist will help you spot gum disease, cavities, excessive tartar and plaque in the mouth. <\/p>\n

You might also notice a dry mouth, infections, mouth sores, a metallic taste, tooth sensitivity and pain. <\/p>\n

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Regular mouth ulcers may be a warning sign that something is amiss with your microbiomeCredit: Getty<\/p>\n

\u201cYou may find that you experience issues such as bad breath, increased mouth ulcers and other soft tissue infections,\u201d adds Dr Mehra. <\/p>\n

On the flip side, Dr Rajput says: \u201cIf you have a healthy microbiome, you will have pink, firm gums, clean teeth<\/a> and fresh breath.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

I TOOK THE TEST\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Health writer Lucy, 34, took the Oralis 1 oral microbiome test, \u00a3350 from ths labs. these were HER results.\u200a.\u200a.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cTo find out what harmful bacteria might be living in my mouth, I sent a sample of my saliva to the lab, and four weeks later, my results were in. <\/p>\n

The good news is, I have average levels of good bacteria and \u2018no concerning genetic mutations\u2019. <\/p>\n

But I do have P gingivalis, a virulent strain of oral bacteria linked to Alzheimer\u2019s disease. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s in low levels and I would be shocked if I started showing signs of dementia at just 34. <\/p>\n

I also have high levels of F nucleatum, linked to gum disease, heart disease and colorectal cancer. <\/p>\n

As well as a stark reminder of the importance of brushing, flossing and limiting my sugar intake, I\u2019m advised to drink green tea and take Dr Heff\u2019s Remarkables, \u00a39.95, a dental supplement containing green tea, which can lower levels of bacteria. <\/p>\n

I was also recommended bee propolis, a natural bee product, to lower levels of P gingivalis. <\/p>\n

While the test might come with an eye-watering price tag, it looks for hundreds of bacteria and gives personalised advice, which can be a wake-up call, unhealthy microbiome or not.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Non-negotiables for a healthy oral microbiome\u00a0\"Dentist<\/a><\/p>\n

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One expert says the best thing you can do is attend dental check-ups every six monthsCredit: Getty<\/p>\n

Show your mouth plenty of love with these simple lifestyle tricks.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Stay on top of check-ups<\/strong> \u201cThe most significant thing that people can do is to attend regular dental appointments<\/a>,\u201d says Dr Al-Naher. <\/p>\n

Every six months is recommended.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Brush and floss <\/strong>Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, and floss once a day<\/a> (before brushing) to remove food particles and plaque between teeth.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Limit stress<\/strong> Chronic stress can cause problems such as dry mouth and inflammation, which can negatively affect your oral microbiome.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake proactive steps to manage any stress problems by trying mindfulness, yoga or regular exercise,\u201d recommends Dr Mehra.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Smoking fuels 17% of UK mouth cancers and cuts saliva needed to fight bacteria, experts warn – so it’s time to quitCredit: Getty<\/p>\n

Stop smoking<\/strong> Tobacco does nothing for your teeth or mouth health.<\/p>\n

It is the cause of around 17% of mouth cancers in the UK, according to Cancer Research.<\/p>\n

\u201cSmoking<\/a> also decreases saliva <\/a>production, which is essential for washing away bacteria and healing damaged tissues in the mouth,\u201d says Dr Mehra.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Watch your diet<\/strong> \u201cDiets rich in fibre, fruit and vegetables help promote the growth of healthy bacteria and encourage saliva production,\u201d explains Dr Mehra. <\/p>\n

High-sugar foods do the opposite. <\/p>\n

\u201cDrink plenty of water to help wash away food particles and keep saliva production optimal,\u201d says Dr Rajput.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Check your meds<\/strong> Antibiotics <\/a>can kill beneficial bugs while wiping out the bad in both your gut and mouth. <\/p>\n

\u201cMedications, such as antidepressants and antihistamines, can cause a dry mouth, which can exacerbate microbial imbalances,\u201d says Dr Mehra. <\/p>\n

Ask your dentist for advice.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Your healthy mouth kit\u00a0Spotlight Oral Care Sonic Electric Toothbrush, \u00a3110, Boots\u00a0\"Spotlight<\/a><\/p>\n

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This gentle electric toothbrush is good for those with sensitive gums. It deep-cleans, with oxygen blasting the tiny cracks you can\u2019t get toRegenerate Enamel Science Advanced Toothpaste, \u00a310.50\u00a0\"Regenerate<\/a><\/p>\n

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‘This is the first toothpaste that\u2019s able to reverse tooth decay,’ Dr Al-Naher says. ‘It reduces sensitivity and improves your teeth colour’Humble Corn Starch Floss Picks Mint, \u00a33.99, Holland & Barrett\u00a0\"Package<\/a><\/p>\n

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Dig deep with eco-friendly sticks that leave behind a minty taste<\/p>\n