Does poor oral health impact brain function?
AD Ratings 
October 12, 2019
Perceived stress may detrimentally impact oral health which, in turn, may lead to cognitive decline among specific elderly communities, according to two new studies.
Oral health can be a surprisingly good indicator of a person’s well-being. Not only can oral diseases reduce a person’s quality of life, but they can also increase the risk of other serious conditions.
Researchers have linked gum disease and tooth loss to the occurrence of stroke. An article published in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology in 2010 concluded that gum disease could raise a person’s risk of heart disease by around 20%. It is, however, necessary to carry out more research in these areas.
Teams at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, have now focused on a different link — the one between oral health and cognitive decline.
A recently published review of 23 studies found evidence of a relationship between oral health and cognitive aspects, such as memory and executive function.
Now, a team from Rutgers University carried out two separate studies into cognitive decline and perceived stress. Both papers appear in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
The Chinese American focus
The studies focused on Chinese American adults with a minimum age of 60. “Racial and ethnic minorities are particularly vulnerable to the negative consequences of poor oral health,” explains XinQi Dong, director of Rutgers University’s Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research.
He continues, “Minorities have less access to preventive dental care that is further exacerbated by language barriers and low socioeconomic status. Older Chinese Americans are at particular risk for experiencing oral health symptoms due to lack of dental insurance or not visiting a dental clinic regularly.”
Participants for both studies came from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE). The first study quizzed people on their oral health and gave them five cognitive tests to complete.
The second study asked participants if they had ever experienced dry mouth issues. Researchers then asked them to measure their perceived stress, social support, and social strain levels using pre-defined scales.
Social support referred to how often they felt able to open up to or rely on their family members or friends. Researchers defined social strain as how often participants experienced excessive demands or criticism from friends or relatives.
A cognitive link
Out of the more than 2,700 Chinese Americans interviewed, almost half reported tooth-related symptoms. Just over a quarter said they had experienced dry mouth.
There was no significant relationship between gum and cognitive problems. However, researchers believe participants may have been less likely to report gum symptoms due to finding them less problematic.
The researchers did find a link between cognitive decline — specifically global cognition and episodic memory decline — and tooth symptoms. Episodic memory issues themselves have a link to the onset of dementia.
The researchers found a similar association in the second study. Those who reported more perceived stress were more likely to report dry mouth. Spousal social support or strain did not reduce this relationship, but support from friends appeared to protect against dry mouth in some way.
“However, the potential overload of such support could be detrimental to oral health outcomes among older Chinese Americans,” notes study author Weiyu Mao, assistant professor at the University of Nevada’s School of Social Work.
Oral health is key
Any conclusion formed from self-reported data has its limitations. However, the team believes their findings point to a need for better awareness of immigrant health and psychosocial influences on said health.
Dong says they “demonstrate the importance of examining immigrant oral health outcomes later in life to understand the specific type of outcomes of different cultural groups.”
“The studies further serve as a call to action for policymakers to develop programs aimed at improving oral health preventive and dental care services in this high risk population,” said XinQi Dong.
Ensuring good oral health of older Chinese Americans should be a primary goal, according to the team.
Mao notes, “intervention strategies need to expand beyond the common risk factors, such as health conditions and health behaviors, and account for the psychosocial determinants, including stress and social support.” Inclusive efforts such as these could even go some way to reducing cognitive decline.
0 Reactions-
0
Dr. Meredith Newman Fresno Endodontist
What Makes A Good Endodontist ?
First of all, you definitely want to seek out a specialist. Although many dentists can do root canals, and some perform more than others, only Endodontists have received specialized training
-
0
Adrian Martinez
Dental Care For Seniors
Many of us put less importance on our appearance as we age—we (reluctantly) accept the graying hair and wrinkling skin as an inevitable part of our lives. But one aspect of our appearance that we shouldn’t neglect is our teeth.
-
0
Meredith Y. Newman, DMD
Root Canal Specialist During the Pandemic
During the coronavirus pandemic, I have worked as an Endodontist, or root canal specialist, in two epicenters of the virus – first in New York State during the early part of the spring, and then in Central California during the fall of 2020 and beyond. Much like many industries, there was a lot of unpredictability and change. However, I learned several very important lessons along the way.
-
0
Adrian Martinez
The Link Between Sleep Apnea And Oral Health
Once you understand the relationship between sleep apnea and your oral wellness, the connection becomes clear. Sleep apnea causes side effects that dentists will notice during a patient’s teeth cleaning. To learn more about this disorder and how it affects your oral health, keep reading:
-
0
Adrian Martinez
5 Dental Procedures to Improve Your Oral (and overall) Health
There’s another reason why you should keep your teeth clean: gum disease is linked to several health conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Here are five dental procedures that will clean your teeth and improve your overall health:
-
0
Meredith Y. Newman, DMD
There’s no easy root canals in endodontics
The thing that makes root canals so interesting to root canal specialists is the fact that every tooth has different anatomy. This is both a blessing and a curse. One of the best parts of doing root canals for a living is being able to treat a wide variety of different dental anatomy.
-
0
Adrian Martinez
Why a Regular Dental Check Up is Important
There are a lot of reasons why people are afraid of seeing the dentist. Whether it’s a fear of needles, dental anxiety, or a lack of funding, countless scenarios can make someone reluctant to book an appointment. But doing so is hazardous to your health, especially if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed in this post.
-
0
AD Ratings
Five-year success rate of CeraRoot® Zirconia Dental Implants
Following a comprehensive study, researchers reported that CeraRoot® zirconia dental implants with acid-etched roughened surfaces are the most effective CeraRoot® ceramic zirconia dental implants for tooth replacement.
-
0
Jessica Smith
How to Treat Wisdom Teeth Pain of Your Teen?
If your kid is yet to experience wisdom teeth, then he or she should expect them between the age of 17 and 21. Some arrive much earlier, while others grow later. As a parent, you have to ensure that you know precisely how to deal with the situation once it occurs.
-
0
AD Ratings
Tongue Microbiome & Pancreatic Cancer
Diagnosing pancreatic cancer early could help fast-track a person's access to adequate treatment and boost the likelihood of a positive outcome. In a recent study, a team of researchers from Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, China has investigated how the human tongue microbiota could act as a diagnostic tool for pancreatic cancer.
-
0
AD Ratings
Does poor oral health impact brain function?
Oral health can be a surprisingly good indicator of a person's well-being. Not only can oral diseases reduce a person's quality of life, but they can also increase the risk of other serious conditions. Perceived stress may detrimentally impact oral health which, in turn, may lead to cognitive decline among specific elderly communities, according to two new studies.
-
0
AD Ratings
Dr. Pamela MacPherson : Center For Dental Restorations
Dr. MacPherson has been voted and listed as San Diego’s Top Dentists every year since 2013. She cherishes this title bestowed on her by her peers in the dental community. She also experiences pride in the fact that more than 99% of her patients recommend her to their family and friends.
-
0
AD Ratings
TLC For Smiles Granada Hills
At this Granada Hills dental office, TLC for Smiles provides its customers with Tender Loving Care. TLC for Smiles specializes in children’s dentistry and orthodontics for people of all ages. In fact, TLC for Smiles is the top 1% of the nation’s providers of Invisalign for adults, teens and kids.
-
0
AD Ratings
Tips for Choosing the Right Dentist
A credentialed, skillful, and experienced dentist can be the difference between a successful dental procedure and a costly oral health disaster. Be it infected gums, missing teeth, or complex oral surgery, a capable dentist specialist will diagnose it properly, choose the right treatment, and successfully carry out the procedure to ensure your long-term dental health and emotional poise: quite possibly, at an affordable cost.
-
0
AD Ratings
Can Dentists Grow Back Your Tooth Enamel?
The first thing people observe when you smile is your teeth, and healthy pearly whites ensure a great smile. According to many dental care professionals, the best way to maintain that glint in your teeth is to take proper care of your teeth’s enamel.
What to Read Next
-
What Makes A Good Endodontist ? Dr. Meredith Newman Fresno Endodontist
-
Dental Care For Seniors Adrian Martinez
-
Root Canal Specialist During the Pandemic Meredith Y. Newman, DMD
-
The Link Between Sleep Apnea And Oral Health Adrian Martinez
-
5 Dental Procedures to Improve Your Oral (and overall) Health Adrian Martinez
-
There’s no easy root canals in endodontics Meredith Y. Newman, DMD
-
Why a Regular Dental Check Up is Important Adrian Martinez
-
Five-year success rate of CeraRoot® Zirconia Dental Implants AD Ratings
-
How to Treat Wisdom Teeth Pain of Your Teen? Jessica Smith
-
Tongue Microbiome & Pancreatic Cancer AD Ratings
-
Does poor oral health impact brain function? AD Ratings
-
Dr. Pamela MacPherson : Center For Dental Restorations AD Ratings
-
TLC For Smiles Granada Hills AD Ratings
-
Tips for Choosing the Right Dentist AD Ratings
-
Can Dentists Grow Back Your Tooth Enamel? AD Ratings
Outstanding dental service, excellent quality dental procedures and most experienced with implants and dental surgeries! Dr Pierce and his staff provided myself with the highest quality dental work. State of the art facility, easy parking convenient located right next to 5 fwy. Usually i do not review businesses but dr Pierce dental office is a one of the kind boutique dental office! There is no waiting time on appointments! The front office Maria has a very accommodating schedule. Unexpected fully functional business during the entire pandemic which is unusual for Orange County. I highly recommend dr Pierce for his quality dental work work for all ages and busy families!
Commercial Broker 
After much research and consultations with several dentists on ceramic zirconia vs titanium implants, I concluded that ceramic implants would be just as strong, and a healthier biocompatible choice than titanium. At that point it was a matter of finding the best dentist to do the work. I found Dr. Khajavi on the Ceraroot website, and sent her my X-Rays. Once I spoke with her, I was blown away by how much time she gave me to explain my issues, and eased the concerns I had. Not only is she an extremely warm and compassionate doctor, it was evident that she possessed the extraordinary expertise and skill required to restore my smile to the best outcome I could ever possibly hope for! I flew to San Diego, and had my consultation with her, using her state-of-the-art 3-D imagery and equipment.
Mine was a difficult case of upper mouth severe bone loss, failed crowns, failed root canals, gum recession, and infections. One area of infection had almost penetrated my sinus cavity. We scheduled my surgery a week later at her surgery suite in Rosarito Mexico, where she performs work on more difficult cases with her team of local professionals there. Having the work done in Mexico for these more extensive surgeries also allows Dr. Khajavi to charge much less than what it would cost to have that same work done in the U.S.
Dr. Khajavi tries to make it affordable for her patients as much as possible so that they do not have to compromise on the quality of restorations that are available to them. My 6 hour surgery on Friday went exceptionally well, with Dr. Khajavi being able to give me 11 ceramic implants with bone grafting and a sinus lift. On Monday back in Dr. Khajavi’s San Diego clinic, she performed an exam and new X-Rays, and was so pleased with the rate of healing that was already evident. I will need to let the soft tissue to continue to heal before I return in a month for my temporaries, which will only be used for aesthetic purposes, and not chewing. I will have to continue to blend my food for the next 4-5 months before retuning a final time to have my new porcelain crowns placed on my ceramic implants. I can’t wait to see my new smile! I want to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Khajavi from the bottom of my heart, for her outstanding work, and making my dream to have a beautiful smile and teeth once again a reality! A special thanks to Argy, for her kindness in bringing me chicken soup and meds in Mexico, and the rest of Dr. Khajavi’s staff who take such good care of their patients! I’m grateful beyond words can convey. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Patricia D
The best place to start is always the beginning. My experience with Dr. Amy began with an internet search. I have always been self conscious about my smile but as a full time independent artist, cosmetic dental procedures are not high on the feasible list of priorities. Nevertheless this is something that I have wanted to correct for a long time. As I searched for solutions Dr. Amy stood out. The reviews, the recognition in her field, the experience, and she is headquartered in San Diego, CA. And it only got better. I live in Denver, CO so I had to do my first consultation over Zoom. I’d be remiss to not mention Esther. Esther is an angel I swear. At any rate between the two of them I felt more than comfortable, eager in fact, to begin the journey with All Natural Dentistry. Then things got worse, but better, but definitely worse. During my first visit for the in person evaluation Dr K. revealed to me the seriousness of what I was actually dealing with. An abscess that threatened not only my smile and self esteem, one that could very well affect my long term health. After returning to Denver it also came to light that the independent nature of my healthcare situation would seriously complicate my ability to get the treatment that I didn’t just want... that I needed. So much so that weeks before my scheduled appointment, I called to cancel. Dr. Amy and Esther both were ot having it. I am paraphrasing but, “We’ll figure it out” was the sentiment. To be honest it felt more like a maternal gesture of genuine care for my health. Needless to say I was floored because sadly, in today’s world... that’s not usually how that works. So I flew out and began the process under Dr Amy’s advisement. The entire day of my procedure was like stuff I’ve only seen on television shows... all the way down to Wather and Dr. K’s husband seeing me to the hotel.. The “for the good of the patient” storyline we’ve all seen and in the back of our minds been like “if only that were the case in real life”. I’m telling you straight up, it is. To the staff, Dr Amy, Esther, everyone at All Natural Dentistry, all the words truly cannot encompass or encapsulate what it is that I have to say to you... because thank you isn’t enough. There’s so much more.... but... this journey is far from over... so for now it will have to do. My most sincere and deepest heart felt thanks to all of you. To anyone that reads this trust me when I say that the good people at All Natural Dentistry have more than just your procedure on their schedule... They have your health and well being in their hearts... and that’s really... really ... awesome to realize. Sincerely and with love,
Oren L
(Translated by Google) The location is a bit hard to find, but the doctor is really good. Not only did I find my tooth decay, but also the problem of my sinuses. The translator was very considerate. He explained the problem and solution in detail, and also thought about my next treatment. Very thoughtful and saved me a lot of money. This is the best and least charge since I came to the United States to see a dentist. (Original) 位置有些難找，但是醫生真的特別好，不僅發現了我的蛀牙，還發現了鼻竇的問題，翻譯人特別貼心，詳細幫我講解了問題和解決方案，還為我接下來的治療想的很周到，並且幫我節省了不少費用，這是我來美看牙醫以來感覺最好收費最少的了
Danelle Liu
The best dental office my family and me have ever been to! Friendly, caring, helpful staff and doctor! Thank you for treating my mom with so much love and respect ❤
Adam Macias
Dr. Khajavi and her team are great The attention and care I received was outstanding. They all went above and beyond. Dr. Khajavi's expertise and knowledge in her field is awe-inspiring. She is extremely kind, caring and very down to earth. Beyond being an excellent dentist, she is also a beautiful human being inside and out. I know I am in great hands and I highly recommend Dr. Khajavi and her team.
Kathy Armani
If I could give more stars I would! I came to Dr. Khajavi in desperate need of help after multiple failed implant attempts from a previous dentist. She welcomed me with warmth and confidence, and was very detail-oriented in her analysis of treatment. The implant procedure was done thoroughly and well, and I am now healing and looking forward to completing the process with crowns. Dr. Khajavi and her entire office has given me one of my first positive dental experiences of my life. I fully trust her work, judgement, experience, and passion for helping people. Talented and compassionate, i cannot recommend Dr. Amy highly enough.
Nicholas Dei
Highly recommend. The front office was very kind and efficient. Every staff member was professional and caring. Dr. Winters did a great job. If you are looking for a new dental office look no further
Stefan Schneider
I feel blessed beyond measure to have been able to walk this journey of full mouth reconstruction with Dr Amy and her team. They have high standards for professionalism and care. I am forever grateful for what this has done for me in my life.
Karise Sanders
Dr.Amy by far has been the best ! I have had tmj pain for quite some time now. Dr.Amy has done so much for me and is very flexible with my schedule!
Janet Chavez
Hello everyone I want to share a great experience with Pierce Aesthetics Dental Group. When I first arrived at the dental, they brought me to the X-Ray to check my structure or missing teeth. It was a pleasing experience also; they were gentle and pleasant toward my care. The staff was friendly, helpful and patient in explaining the procedure. Dentist assistant were being care and helpful for every procedure. Take care of your teeth Thank you I hope you check it out
Ming Chih Ko
Best experience ever. Dr. Pierce is very personal and nice. I’m so glad I found this place.
Chengyuan Li
I am not a good patient in the dentist office. The entire staff at All Natural Dentistry have the skills that helped me go through it. I waited years to get implants. When I called Dr. Amy her clear explanation of the process and transparent communication about costs gave the experience of feeling safe through the procedures. Dr. Amy, Argy and Esther really reached out and we’re able to help me with every concern.
Hari Dev Singh Khalsa
I had to get a cleaning here at Pierce Aesthetics, and had a great time! The staff here are so kind and helpful. The space is extremely clean and modern.
Charissa Roxas
This is my second visit to Dr Amy for major dental work. By far the most compassionate, thorough practitioner of dental science I have met in my entire life. She is very passionate about her craft. She has assembled an outstanding team all the way from the front office to back.
Timothy Donnelly
After considerable research and speaking with numerous dental offices, my wife made the decision to become a Pierce Aesthetics patient for providing extensive dental work and wire braces. The office is clean and modern, and staff are awesome. So far, she is extremely satisfied with the service everyone is providing to her; therefore, recommends anyone with any dental concerns reach out to Pierce Aesthetics and expect to receive the very best of services.
John Squi
This is the best dental office I have ever been to. Every single person in their team is so pleasant. Dr. Pierce was able to help me make a plan for a better and healthier smile without jumping to veneers. He recommended I work with their orthodontist Dr.Dang and we settled on using Invisalign and I am loving the results! Hands down, the best experience I’ve ever had at the dentist office 😊⭐️ 10/10 I recommend.
Vanessa Romo