Effective Dental Health And Prevention Of Gum Disease,...

Introduction and Subject Background ________________________________________ Optimal dental health is indicated with the control and prevention of gum disease, gingivitis, bacterial carries, cavities, and periodontal disease (PD). Alternatively, signs of poor oral health can be seen with the accumulation of bacterial pathogens in the area between the tooth and gingiva, known as the gingival sulcus (see Figure 1). PD is a severe condition due to its chronic inflammatory nature that leads to tooth decay and eventual tooth loss. The pathogenesis of PD involves bacterial invasion of the gingival sulcus, which stimulates a host reaction of leukocytes and lymphocytes. This immune response constitutes a progressive, destructive, and inflammatory†¦show more content†¦Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized with neurodegeneration and the onset of dementia and short-term memory loss. AD can be caused by several factors; however PD is being highly investigated due to its common chronic infection that passes through the BBB (4). Not only can PD serve a s a cause of AD, but patients with AD can begin showing signs of PD, causing a vicious cycle (5). Perio-systemic connections should be considered with the spread of bacteria from the gingival sulcus to the brain. In addition, the behavioral effects associated with brain impairments need to be discussed as a potential link between PD and AD. Periodontal Disease: A Risk Factor to Alzheimer’s________________________________________ Local Effects of PD Pathogens on Host Immune Response PD is highly prevalent and can affect up to 90% of the worldwide population (6). The two inflammatory modalities of PD are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a reversible condition that affects 40-50% of adults and is caused by the acute buildup of dental plaque and bacteria within the gingival sulcus (_). PD is irreversible, chronic, and is the most common infections inflammatory disease. PD is caused by specific gram negative spirochete bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythensis, Treponema denticola,