Why 'chewing power' is important for dementia patients

Maintaining oral health is crucial for dementia patients, with experts urging proactive care from the initial diagnosis stage. While dementia treatment often focuses on memory and cognitive function, dental and gum care can be neglected, despite becoming more challenging as the disease progresses.

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When diagnosed with dementia, both patients and families tend to focus on dementia treatment, often pushing oral hygiene management down the priority list.

Dr. Lee Jeong-tae, director of the One-Stop Collaboration Center at Seoul National University Dental Hospital, highlights that as dementia advances, patients' ability to manage their oral hygiene and cooperate with dental treatment significantly declines. Therefore, he stresses the importance of actively caring for teeth and gums early on.

Periodontal disease, characterized by inflammation and bone loss around the teeth due to plaque and tartar buildup, is a particular concern. Studies suggest a link between severe gum disease and an increased risk of dementia. One study found that individuals with fewer than nine remaining teeth had a significantly higher risk of developing dementia. Conversely, another study observed that each additional functional tooth was associated with a 4.5% decrease in the risk of cognitive decline.

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As dementia progresses to severe stages, the ability to manage one's own oral cavity and cooperate with dental treatment significantly decreases, making early and active management of teeth and gums even more critical.

The connection between chewing and cognitive function is thought to involve sensory stimulation from tooth roots transmitting signals to the brain, potentially influencing brain activity and blood flow. Poor chewing ability can also limit dietary options, leading to nutritional imbalances. Chronic inflammation from gum disease, particularly from bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis, is also being investigated for its potential role in Alzheimer's disease pathology.

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If chewing function declines due to fewer teeth, it not only makes eating difficult but can also affect sensory stimulation to the brain and nutrient intake.

While a direct causal link between gum disease and dementia is not yet definitively established, the bidirectional relationship is clear. Cognitive decline can impair oral hygiene practices, leading to increased gum disease and tooth loss, while poor oral health may negatively impact cognitive function. Experts recommend preserving natural teeth as much as possible and restoring chewing function through implants or prosthetics when necessary, emphasizing that comprehensive oral care is an integral part of dementia care, contributing to overall quality of life.

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For dementia patients, preserving natural teeth as much as possible and, if teeth are lost, restoring chewing function according to the patient's condition is important.