Brushing your teeth may impact more than just your oral and heart health; it may have an influence over your brain and cognitive function, according to a new study. Research out of King’s College London and the University of Southampton has found that gum disease may be associated with faster cognitive decline among people with early Alzheimer’s disease. This isn’t the first time researchers have found a potential connection between poor oral health and chronic disorders, including Alzheimer’s, but it brings up a frequently revisited question: Can oral hygiene truly have an impact on the brain and cognitive function?
