Literature Review Finds Poor Oral Health Linked to Cognitive Decline

A recently published literature review, “Periodontal Health, Cognitive Decline, and Dementia: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies” found that poor periodontal health and tooth loss are associated with higher rates of cognitive decline and dementia. Poor periodontal health, as defined by the presence of deep periodontal pockets, clinical attachment loss, or alveolar bone loss, was found to increase the risk of both cognitive decline and dementia. Tooth loss, caused by dental caries or periodontal diseases, was linked independently to poor cognition. The authors note, however, that some of the evidence included in the review was not high quality. They suggest more research is necessary to confirm the association. Click here to read more.