Seniors’ Chewing Ability May Predict Dementia

Dementia Risk May Be Predicted by Oral Health

Swedish researchers have recently announced that seniors who are vigilant with their dental health may also be helping to prevent the possibility of suffering the loss of mental functionality. Professionals at the Karolinska Institute did a study on over 500 patients who were ages 77 and older. During this study, they accessed the patients’ dental status, mental status, and chewing ability and found those with difficulties chewing or tooth loss had a higher chance for developing cognitive impairment.

Past studies have indicated that the motion of chewing helps stimulate blood flow to the brain, and those individuals who have missing teeth or no teeth tend to chew less. This lack of blood flow to the brain increases the risk of developing dementia later on. The Karolinska Institute’s study was recently published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society and explained the association between chewing and developing cognitive impairments even after confounding factors were removed.

Additionally, this study outlined that the ability to chew, whether patients had dentures or their natural teeth, was still cause for prevention or slowing of the development of dementia. While maintaining oral health may seem simple to some, it is important to note that individuals over the age of 60 often face unique challenges when it comes to keeping their teeth and gums healthy. The ADA provides comprehensive information for seniors on how to properly maintain their oral health.

For those patients who have special needs, such as physical or mental disabilities, developmental issues, or any of a series of cognitive conditions, it may be possible they require special consideration when it comes to receiving general or special dental treatments. These types of conditions can include Alzheimer’s disease, autism, spinal cord injuries, Down syndrome, and a number of other injuries or conditions that can make regular dental cleanings and procedures decidedly more difficult.

Considering the link between oral health, tooth loss, chewing, and the possible development of dementia, it is important for seniors to ensure they are maintaining their oral health. Older patients should ensure they are visiting with their dental professional regularly and practicing proper at home oral care, such as brushing and flossing on a daily basis. Patients’ dentists may also recommend additional treatments or routines to help keep their teeth and/or dentures healthy and functioning.

If you have questions about your oral health or even ones regarding dementia, you can always consult your dentist or your doctor respectively, and you can even sign up for our New Hampshire Individual Discount Dental Plan to save as much as 20 percent on all your dental bills. For more information, please click here.

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