Take Care of Your Mouth to Protect Your Brain
It’s unfortunate how many fail to fully appreciate the importance oral health has on their overall health. The fact of the matter is, the delicate balance of bacteria in your mouth is as important to your health as your gut microbiome. When certain bacteria become overabundant, various problems start to develop, and not just in your mouth. Other parts of your body can also be severely affected. For example, periodontal disease, which affects the soft tissues and bone in your mouth, is initiated by an increase in Porphyromonas gingivalis, a bacteria that also impairs your innate immune response 1 and increases your risk of Type 2 diabetes, 2 , 3 heart disease, 4 pneumonia, 5 , 6 autoimmune conditions and mental health disorders . Oral Bacteria Can Fuel Systemic Inflammation and Neurodegeneration When bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease enter into your circulatory system, your liver releases C-reactive proteins, which have i