The Dental World

23/07/2025

A recent large-scale study has uncovered a surprising connection between the microbes in your mouth and your mental health. Scientists examined the oral microbiome of over 15,000 adults and found that people with lower bacterial diversity in their mouths were more likely to show symptoms of depression. The link was particularly noticeable in men and non-Hispanic White individuals.

While it’s already known that the gut microbiome plays a role in emotional health, this research highlights the mouth as the body’s second-largest microbial community — a previously underestimated player in mental well-being. These oral bacteria play key roles in regulating inflammation and supporting the immune system, both of which are known to influence mood.

The study focused on "alpha diversity," which refers to the number of different bacterial species in the mouth. Individuals with higher bacterial diversity reported fewer symptoms such as persistent sadness and low energy. However, more diversity didn’t always mean better mood — there seems to be an ideal range. Interestingly, people with depression had significantly different oral bacteria profiles compared to those without.

While this doesn’t confirm whether oral health causes depression or vice versa, it points to an important connection. Maintaining good oral hygiene and exploring probiotic interventions could one day support mental health as well.

19/07/2025

A 2023 study published in the journal Neurology has revealed a significant association between oral health and brain health. Researchers in Japan studied 172 older adults and found that those with fewer teeth—especially missing molars—and reduced chewing ability showed faster shrinkage in a critical part of the brain called the hippocampus, which plays a major role in memory and learning.

The study used brain MRI scans over a four-year period and revealed that even the partial loss of back teeth was linked to increased brain atrophy. Scientists believe this may be due to the fact that chewing stimulates brain activity and blood flow. When teeth are lost and chewing becomes difficult, the brain may receive less stimulation, which could accelerate cognitive decline.

This finding highlights the importance of maintaining strong chewing function and preserving molar teeth through proper dental care or timely tooth replacement. Good oral health is not only important for eating and smiling—it could be key to protecting memory and delaying the onset of dementia-related conditions as we age

18/07/2025

It’s official. Research confirms cavities cause serious heart issues.

And if not properly treated, can lead to death.

A large meta‑analysis found that individuals with severe tooth loss are 66 % more likely to die from cardiovascular causes compared to those with minor or no tooth loss.

According to Penn State Health cardiologist Dr. Andrew Waxler, “people with untreated tooth infections are 2.7 times more likely to have cardiovascular problems like coronary artery disease than people with healthy mouths.”

Source

John Liljestra. Journal of Dental Research. “Hidden tooth infections may be warning sign of heart disease”

16/07/2025

A recent meta‑analysis brought together 35 studies involving over 2.5 million pregnant women to explore whether periodontal disease is linked to low birth weight and preterm delivery. What emerged was a moderate association between gum disease and babies born under 2,500 g—mothers with periodontitis were roughly two and a half times more likely to have low birth weight babies. In case–control studies, which compare mothers with and without affected infants, the likelihood was even higher—almost four times greater . The link with preterm birth (babies delivered before 37 weeks) was weaker, about 1.9 times the risk, and the results varied more between studies .

However, the study’s authors urge caution: the quality of the included research ranged widely, some had small sample sizes, and there was evidence of publication bias—meaning studies with stronger findings were overrepresented . Even after adjusting for these factors, the association with low birth weight weakened but did not disappear. Ultimately, while we can’t say for certain that gum disease causes these pregnancy issues, the evidence suggests that poor oral health can meaningfully raise the risk, particularly for low birth weight. As dental professionals, we can explain to expectant mothers that maintaining healthy gums isn’t just about teeth—it’s a step toward safer pregnancy outcomes.

16/07/2025