Get ready; you now have one more reason to practice good oral hygiene habits. You already know that proper oral care can keep your teeth healthy, white and beautiful for years to come. But new studies show that good oral hygiene habits can have an effect on your mind as well – and could make your golden years, well, much more golden.

According to the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, people with poor oral hygiene habits have a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This is assumed to be because of a bacteria, called porphyromonas gingivalis, can contribute to the development of dementia. While this bacteria also contributes to gum disease, dementia patients in particular were found to have the bacteria in their brain tissue.

Additionally, when 5,500 elderly people were studied over an 18 year period, those that brushed their teeth less than once a day were found to be 65 percent more likely to develop dementia than those in the study that practiced daily brushing.

If you’re looking to reduce your risk of dementia and more thoroughly enjoy your golden years, here’s what you can do now:

• Brush and floss at least twice a day, or preferably after each meal. Ensure that your brushing sessions last at least two minutes and cover your tongue and back teeth.
• Make sure your toothpaste and mouthwash contain fluoride, which can protect your teeth by strengthening your tooth enamel.
• Avoid enamel-weakening and destroying foods, like sugars and acids.
• Stop smoking, now! (You didn’t need another reason to quit!)
• Make your twice-yearly dental exams a priority (we love to see you anyway!).

Remember, you only have one set of teeth and one mind. Keep both in optimal condition by practicing better oral hygiene now. If you have any dental concerns, give us a call! Your Henderson dentist! We’re always here to help.