The Experts Answer
While there are various findings on the effect of poor oral mouth care, experts do agree seeing the dentist regularly and taking care of your teeth is critical to overall health. In “Dancing with Lewy”, you will read:
“Bacteria from the mouth can easily get into the bloodstream and cause infection and inflammation wherever it spreads. Substances that are released from gums inflamed by infection can actually kill brain cells and lead to memory loss. Dementia and possibly even Alzheimer’s disease can result from gingivitis when the bacteria in the mouth spreads to the nerve channels or enters the bloodstream. Taking care to prevent oral health problems like gingivitis and periodontal disease can go a long way toward decreasing the risk for more serious health problems throughout the body. “10 Health Issues Caused by Poor Oral Health”. Absolute Dental, January 26, 2017
I also received an endorsement from Dr. Eugene G Dvoracek DDS, a retired family practice dentist:
“My mother was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia with symptoms starting in early 2008, ending with her passing in early 2015. My family had the same type of experiences with my mother that Nancy had with her father. Additionally, I have had the experience of helping during the Parkinson’s disease progression of one my closest friends who passed after a 20 year battle.
Nancy clearly stated the importance of maintaining the oral hygiene of patients suffering from diseases such as Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s. As a dentist who has treated patients suffering from dementia and Parkinson’s, I totally agree. Actually, a healthy, disease free oral cavity is an important component of optimal whole-body wellbeing. Untreated dental decay leads to painful bacterial infections in the bone above the tooth root tip. Untreated gum disease leads to tooth loss and debilitating bacterial infection that can spread throughout the body and affect multiple body organs. The medical community realizes the importance of the relationship between optimal oral health and overall body health and counsel their patients accordingly.
“Dancing with Lewy” offers practical advice to caregivers, who have to deal with myriad of personal, medical, financial, and legal issues. Also, she stresses the importance that the caregivers have to take care of themselves to be effective.”
Thank you Dr. Dvoracek for your recommendation. And as the dentist says, “Brush and floss your teeth!”
For more information on “Dancing with Lewy”, or to order a copy of this brand new book, go to nancyrpoland.com.