Brushing Teeth Not Enough: Neglecting Gums and Tongue May Lead to Dementia

Simply brushing teeth clean is not enough to protect overall health, dental experts warn. Bacteria left in areas unreachable by toothbrushes—between teeth and on the tongue—can spread through blood vessels to the entire body, potentially causing diabetes, heart disease, and even dementia.

The Daily Mail reported on January 6 that dental professionals are emphasizing the importance of gum and tongue health to people who focus only on teeth whitening.

The mouth harbors the second-largest bacterial population in the body after the gut. More than 700 species of bacteria gather on the tongue, gums, and teeth to form the "oral microbiome." When these bacteria lose their balance, inflammation develops and spreads through the bloodstream, triggering various diseases throughout the body.

Dental hygienist Laura Hempleman said, "Even brushing for two minutes removes only 80% of plaque in the mouth," adding that "interdental brushing is more important than regular brushing." Dr. Sebastian Lomas, a dentist and biochemist at a wellness clinic, explained, "In dentistry, we view the mouth as a mirror of the body. The oral microbiome is directly connected to the gut, sinuses, and airways, so when bacterial balance is disrupted, inflammation and metabolic changes occur throughout the body."

Dr. Lomas warned, "Chronic gum disease constantly causes inflammation. When toxins produced by bacteria enter blood vessels, the body cannot properly process sugar, leading to diabetes, and brain cells are damaged, reducing the ability to defend against dementia."

Multiple studies have demonstrated the relationship between gum health and systemic diseases. Patients with gum disease have a 26% higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. This occurs because bacteria around the gums cause blood sugar to spike, forcing the body into a constant state of fighting. Persistently high blood sugar can progress to diabetes, eventually leading to serious complications such as blindness, limb amputation, and heart attacks.

Professor Iain Chapple, a periodontal specialist at the University of Birmingham, emphasized, "Conversely, when diabetic patients receive gum treatment, their blood sugar becomes much better controlled and complications decrease."

A U.S. research team that surveyed 1,100 elderly individuals found that gum disease patients had more severe brain tissue damage. Even accounting for other factors such as age and lifestyle, their risk was 56% higher than healthy individuals. Boston University researchers discovered that bacteria causing gum disease impair the function of brain cells that protect against dementia, allowing Alzheimer's-causing substances to accumulate in the brain.

Last year, U.S. researchers announced that gum disease increases the risk of stroke caused by blocked brain blood vessels by 86%. Poor oral hygiene was also shown to increase cardiovascular disease risk, including heart attacks, by more than one-third.

Dental experts say bleeding gums should not be dismissed lightly. Dr. Lomas explained, "Bleeding doesn't mean your brushing technique is wrong—it means inflammation has developed in your body. If inflammation persists despite lifestyle changes and diligent brushing, it could be a warning sign before disease develops elsewhere in the body."

To prevent gum disease, interdental brushes should be used daily to clean between teeth. Bacteria accumulated on the tongue during sleep should be scraped off with a tongue cleaner in the morning. Gently brushing along the gum line twice daily, drinking water frequently, avoiding sugary foods, and getting adequate sleep to promote saliva production are also important.

Dr. Lomas advised, "If your gums continue to bleed, swell, or recede, you should see a dentist. Even if it costs money, treating problems early is far more economical than treating advanced disease later."