You forget someone’s phone number or for a moment you cannot remember your neighbor’s name. You might think that this is just a simple sign of growing older but how wrong could you be?
Short term memory loss could be a symptom of high blood pressure or hypertension. Untreated hypertension may also be one of the risk factors for memory loss. For adults, high blood pressure and memory loss are chronic health conditions with far-reaching consequences. But is there a connection between memory loss, blood pressure and oral hygiene?
The importance of good oral hygiene
Oral hygiene does not only concern the health of the mouth, teeth and gums. Because the mouth is the primary entry into the body, poor oral health can have negative effects on the entire body including the heart and the brain. Regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups can keep your mouth healthy if done regularly. Poor oral hygiene can cause gum disease, an infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth which is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. The early stage of gum disease is referred to as gingivitis and warning signs include red, swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath or a persistent bad taste in the mouth. Advanced gum disease is known as periodontitis which can lead to loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and the loosening of teeth. According to the American Dental Association, chronic periodontitis effects 47.2 percent of adults over 30 in the United States.
The bacteria that causes periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream causing the arteries to build up plaque and harden, also known as atherosclerosis. This can lead to blood flow problems and heart blockages, leading to hypertension and the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Endocarditis can also develop, a fatal condition where the lining of the heart becomes infected. At the same time, the bacteria released from inflamed gums during gingivitis can also spread to the nerve channels, killing brain cells leading to memory loss, dementia or Alzheimer’s.
The importance of normal blood pressure
Blood pressure is a measurement of the force against the walls of the arteries as the heart contracts and pumps blood around the body. Hypertension is the term used to describe high blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is essential for life as oxygen and nutrients can be delivered through the blood vessels and into the tissues and organs. Blood pressure is also needed for distributing the white blood cells throughout the body for protection against illness and disease. If hypertension is left untreated, the patient can suffer cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure.
Heart disease and stroke are the leading cause of death in the world and in the United States, heart disease ranks first and stroke fifth. Approximately one in three adults in the United States has high blood pressure. The number of people diagnosed with heart failure is increasing and projected to rise by 46 percent by 2030, resulting in more than 8 million deaths according to the most recent data compiled by the American Heart Association.
The effects of memory loss in adults
Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of Alzheimer’s or another dementia.. Alzheimer’s is a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. Other warning signs include challenges in solving problems, difficulty completing familiar tasks, confusion with time and place, problems with speaking or writing words, misplacing things regularly, poor judgement, withdrawal from work or social activities and changes in mood and personality. The importance of a caregiver in assisting a patient with daily life activities is crucial, including good oral hygiene.
The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s is growing fast and, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 5.5 million Americans of all ages have the disease in 2017. 5.3 million are 65 and older and approximately 200,000 individuals are under the age of 65. Today, someone in the United States will develop Alzheimer’s every 66 seconds and by mid century, this will be every 33 seconds.
Maintaining good oral health
Dental hygienists and practitioners should also know the importance of taking blood pressure readings at every appointment. Dental visits provide the opportunity to screen for hypertension which in early detection can limit damage to the body. For many patients with a fear of dental visits, controlled breathing techniques, relaxing music or nitrous oxide administration can be helpful during procedures to control anxiety and reduce elevated blood pressure readings. Besides regular checkups, any signs of tooth decay or gum disease should be treated immediately. If affordability of a private medical plan is a problem, Medicaid covers most dental procedures depending on which state you reside in.
Good oral hygiene will not only protect your mouth from gum disease, but will assist in reducing short term memory loss and act as a preventive measure against heart disease. Remembering to brush and floss daily will help you keep a happy heart and give you a reason to put a smile on your face.
Photo Credits
Photos are pixabay creative commons
Guest Author Bio
Sally Phillips
Sally Phillips is a professional freelance writer with many years experience across many different areas. She made the move to freelancing from a stressful corporate job and loves the work-life balance it offers her. When not at work, Sally enjoys reading, hiking, spending time with her family and traveling as much as possible.
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