After Seeing News About Oral Bacteria Being Related to Dementia

I came across a surprising article while watching the news.

The article mentioned that the bacteria in our mouths could be related to Alzheimer's disease.

I understand that not brushing my teeth can lead to cavities and gum problems, but I couldn't grasp how that relates to the brain.

The article talks about bacteria that cause gum disease.

There's a particularly difficult-to-pronounce bacterium called Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is said to be a representative bacterium related to periodontitis.

Some studies have found substances related to this bacterium in the brain tissues of Alzheimer's patients.

Thinking about it, since our bodies are all interconnected, it doesn't seem like such a strange story.

If there's inflammation in the gums and bleeding, it's possible that bacteria or substances related to inflammation could affect other parts of the body through the bloodstream.

However, it hasn't been confirmed that oral bacteria are a direct cause of dementia, nor has it been proven that diligent brushing can prevent dementia.

Still, it gives us one more reason to take good care of our gum health.

Recently, while having lunch with friends in Koreatown, the topic of dental floss came up.

One friend said they didn't understand why American dentists keep nagging about using dental floss.

Then another friend chimed in.

"Hey, you should listen to what American dentists say about using dental floss. How much do you think implants cost later on?"

We all laughed, but now that I think about it, they were right.

Brushing alone makes it hard to completely remove food particles and plaque stuck between teeth, so it's recommended to also use dental floss or interdental brushes.

I used to skip it often because it was a hassle, but these days I'm trying to make an effort to use it every night before bed.

It's tough to feel a bit unwell, but how sad is it to lose the memories of recognizing loved ones and living with them for a lifetime?

Of course, dementia is a complex disease influenced by various factors like age, genetics, and vascular health, so it's not something that can be prevented by just managing dental health.

Still, if brushing my teeth daily helps not only my oral health but also my overall health, there's no reason not to do it.

After seeing this news, I decided to change my habits a bit.

I'll brush my teeth thoroughly in the morning and evening, use dental floss once a day, and not ignore any bleeding from my gums.

I also plan to tell my parents not to postpone their dental check-ups.

Now that I'm in my 40s, health news that I used to overlook is catching my attention more often.

When I was younger, I brushed my teeth to look good, but now it feels like I'm brushing to live healthily for a long time.

At our age, while it's good to seek out expensive supplements, using dental floss properly every night might be a more realistic approach to health management.

So tonight, don't just go to bed because you're lazy; make sure to brush your teeth thoroughly.

While I can't guarantee it will prevent dementia, it will definitely benefit my teeth and gums.

If I want to enjoy delicious ribs when I'm older, I need to take good care of them starting now.