Dementia symptoms: Dentist reveals key early warning sign of Alzheimer's seen in patient's mouths

A dentist has shown how a patient's oral health could indicate when Alzheimer's disease will manifest.

"Some initial signs of an Alzheimer's patient will be a mouth that is poorly taken care of," said Doctor Smita, Principal Dentist at The Neem Tree Dental Practice. "Usually - but not always - this will be an elderly patient who is seemingly neglecting their oral care."

It is true that individuals suffering from dementia frequently neglect personal hygiene and care. It is considered one of the top 10 early warning indicators of Alzheimer's disease by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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Doctor Smita cautions that extensive deposits of calculus and plaque, as well as swollen or bleeding gums with cavities, are indicators of neglect and poor dental health. She added: "These will be either visible to us as dentists, or evident from the patient complaining of pain upon touching or blowing air onto teeth."

Poor oral hygiene is considered one among the top 10 early warning signs of Alzheimer's by the CDC
(Image: Getty Images)

As the dentist correctly notes, a patient's entire appearance is crucial when it comes to Alzheimer's. "Simply put, these are the signs of neglect. As dentists, we wouldn’t be isolating and identifying bacteria i.e. Porphyromonas gingivalis which have been linked with this disease. We would leave that to the Scientists.”

What is the current state of research on this relationship?

The evidence of a specific form of bacterium called Porphyromonas gingivalis being present in oral cavities is one of the strongest connections between Alzheimer's patients and periodontal disease. According to some research, this particular strain of bacteria is associated with rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer's disease patients. Nowadays, amalgam fillings are rarely used in dental offices in the UK; instead, mercury-free substitutes like ceramic or composite fillings are frequently used.

Porphyromonas gingivalis being present in oral cavities is a strong connections between Alzheimer's patients and periodontal disease
(Image: Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF)

Furthermore, within the past 20 years, a number of European nations, including Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and France, have either outlawed or severely limited the use of mercury fillings.

How can people effectively safeguard themselves from the possible health effects of this connection?

When it comes to decreasing the likelihood of Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria forming within mouth cavities, prevention is crucial. "Patients should regularly see their dentists for check-ups and hygiene visits, to stay on top of treatments and avoid any worsening of the condition by reducing the bacterial count," advised Doctor Smita.

Dr. Smita said patients should regularly see their dentists for check-ups and hygiene visits
(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

In order to learn how to assist with maintaining oral hygiene at home and to report any dental problems or symptoms they may have observed the patient experiencing, a chaperone or family member should accompany Alzheimer's patients in more advanced stages of the disease, according to the expert.

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