oral health brain health
oral health brain health

Can Poor Oral Health Lead to Poor Brain Health, Dementia or Worse?

Are you aware of all the serious health risks that exist when you have poor oral health?

When you lack proper oral hygiene, you risk suffering from tooth decay, gum disease, periodontitis, and more.

These dental health complications can become more serious and life-threatening if left untreated.

Did you know that you can also develop brain-related complications when you neglect your oral health care?

That’s right: studies found a link between poor oral health and poor brain health.

What does that mean for you?

Your oral health can affect your brain health. And this is perhaps one of the most dangerous outcomes that can result from bad dental hygiene.

Not sure if you have poor oral health?

Here are some examples of poor oral hygiene:

  • Bad brushing habits
  • Neglecting to floss
  • Grinding your teeth
  • Eating foods high in sugar
  • Smoking or chewing tobacco

And much more…

Teeth brushing tip: for good oral health, you should brush your teeth 2-3 times daily and floss daily.

Do you want to make sure you maintain a healthy mouth so you can prevent severe brain-related diseases from happening to you?

In this article, you will learn…

  • How your teeth and your brain are connected
  • Brain health complications that can result from poor oral health
  • Signs you might be experiencing tooth decay or gum disease
  • What you can do to keep your teeth healthy and thriving

And much, much more…

Table of Contents

The Link Between Your Oral Health And Your Brain Health


Your Teeth and Your Brain Are More Connected Than You Think

Did you know your teeth are directly connected to your brain?

There are multiple nerves in the oral cavity that attach to your brain. For instance, the trigeminal nerve is a cranial nerve that connects your teeth, gums, jaw, and more.

As a result, an untreated tooth infection can quickly become a brain infection. This happens when the tooth infection spreads to the bloodstream, which carries bacteria straight to the brain.

At this point, the bacterial infection attacks neurons found in the brain, which puts you at risk of memory loss and other life-altering complications.

In severe cases, a brain abscess can form. This a rare condition in which pus invades the brain.

Symptoms of a Brain Infection From Teeth:

  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Trouble remembering
  • Increased confusion
  • Reduced mobility
  • Vision changes

And more…

Special note: if you think you might be experiencing a brain infection from poor oral health, visit your trusted dentist right away.

Now that you know how dental hygiene affects brain health, let’s look at the most common brain disease caused by poor dental hygiene.

Dementia And Poor Oral Health


The Most Common Brain Disease Caused By Poor Dental Hygiene

Dementia is a prevalent condition that causes memory loss. It is also one of the most common brain diseases caused by poor dental hygiene.

The memory loss caused by dementia can be so extreme that it impacts daily functioning.

Though dementia usually occurs in old age, it can happen much sooner if oral health complications are involved.

Read on to learn more about the link between neglected oral health and dementia.

How Poor Dental Health Causes Dementia:

 

  • Gum Disease And Dementia — Did you know you are more likely to develop dementia if you suffer from gum disease? Studies found a connection between gum disease and cognitive decline and a direct link between periodontal disease and dementia. Some studies even suggest that gum disease can be a catalyst for Alzheimer’s. As your dentist, how can you keep the disease under control if you have the early stages of gum disease, also known as gingivitis?
  • Tooth Infection And Memory Loss — Did you know an untreated cavity can lead to dementia? A tooth infection can result in memory loss when the infection spreads to the brain. When your cavity reaches the tooth’s root, the infection threatens nerves and blood vessels, which directly connect to the brain. Stop the infection from spreading by maintaining proper oral hygiene, and be sure to visit your dentist regularly.
  • Tooth Loss And Dementia — Did you know a mouth full of teeth is less likely to develop dementia later in life? Studies show that severe tooth loss and dementia are connected. While the reason for the connection remains unproven, there is certainly a link. If you have lost a lot of teeth over the years, you might be at a higher risk of getting this brain disease.

Signs Of Tooth Decay And Gum Disease


Are You Experiencing Any Of These Symptoms?

Don’t let your dental health complications go undetected. Keep dementia and brain disease from happening to you when you maintain proper oral health.

Keep reading to discover the signs and symptoms of common dental health issues like tooth decay and gum disease.

Signs of Tooth Decay:

  • Toothache
  • Loose teeth
  • Teeth falling out

And more…

Did you know… you might not experience any symptoms of tooth decay. Visit your trusted Leander family dentist to learn for sure.

Signs of Gum Disease:

  • Toothache
  • Bad breath
  • Swollen gums
  • Bleeding gums
  • Receding gums
  • Gum tenderness and pain

And more…

Now that you know the main signs and symptoms of tooth decay and gum disease. Let’s talk about what you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy for the long term.

What You Can Do To Keep Your Teeth Healthy & Thriving


Protect Your Brain Health By Preventing Poor Dental Health

Do you want to minimize your risk of developing brain diseases like memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s?

You can prevent poor brain health by maintaining proper oral hygiene.

Here are the top three things you should do to keep your teeth healthy and thriving:

  1. Brush your teeth 2-3 times per day
  2. Floss your teeth at least once per day
  3. Visit your family dentist regularly

Do you need a new family dentist?

Great news: the best dental office in Leander is accepting new patients right now.

Don’t Wait Any Longer – Visit Your Leander Family Dentist Now


Schedule Your Appointment With Apple Springs Family Dentistry

Are you past due for your routine teeth cleaning?

Remember, depending on your oral health history; you should get your teeth professionally cleaned every 6 to 12 months.

If it’s been a while since your last check-up or if you’re experiencing symptoms of tooth decay or gum disease, don’t wait any longer.

Schedule your appointment with Apple Springs Family Dentistry right now.

Apple Springs Family Dentistry is the most trusted family dentistry in Leander, Texas, and the surrounding area.

With a welcoming atmosphere and a skilled staff, you will always feel comfortable and taken care of at this quality dental office.

Contact us or call to schedule your visit right now.

APPLE SPRINGS FAMILY DENTISTRY
OFFICE:
3421 N Lakeline Blvd, Suite 230
Leander, Texas 78641

Phone: (512) 212-9711

Hours of Operation:
Mon: 8am – 5pm
Tue: 8am -5pm
Wed: 8am – 5pm
Thu: 8am – 5pm
Fri: 8am – 1pm
Sat – Sun: Closed

 

Excellent5.0 Based on 489 reviews fromSarah L. ★★★★★ So glad I found Apple Springs Family Dentistry a year ago! The most pleasant dental experience I've had - gentle cleanings, friendly staff, easy to make...Justin N. ★★★★★ This was my first visit to Dr. Tay’s office. I had a wonderful experience. Grace did an amazing job on my cleaning and Dr. Tay did a very thorough exam. Couldn’t recommend more highly. Thank you!Jennifer G. ★★★★★ Dr. Tay and his staff are amazing. One of my biggest priorities is healthy teeth and gums. When I walk into this office, I have complete trust in Dr.Tay...Pragya S. ★★★★★ The staff at Apple Springs Dentistry are not only professional but also incredibly friendly and attentive. They took the time to explain each step of the...Angelica P. ★★★★★ Kelsey is always very gentle with my dental cleanings as are the other hygiene staff I have had and Dr. Tay is very professional and friendly and never tries to upsell services we don’t need which we appreciate. My husband and I have been going to this office for over two years now and are happy with service.Pragya S. ★★★★★ Super professional. On time. Amazing staff. High quality dental work. Highly recommendedTerrie K. ★★★★★ I had a dental emergency and my former dentist's office that is now under new ownership did not return 3 calls over 2 days Dr Tays office got me in same...Sandra D. ★★★★★ A friendly, warm snd highly professsional staff and a gentle, highly competent dentist. Always a pleasant experienceAmy D. ★★★★★ Dr. Tay has taken care of my family for 3 years now. He and his staff are always welcoming, courteous, and helpful. I've had multiple old crowns that needed...Stoney T. ★★★★★ Staff are very friendly, make you feel at home. The office is always super efficient as well.Jasmine A. ★★★★★ My son needed a rushed crown and they were able to accommodate him last minute. The service and dental work is always exceptional!Ramon P. ★★★★★ My visit with Dr. Vyna was pleasant and her staff were friendly.Thank you!!Michelle W. ★★★★★ Love Dr. Tay and his staff! They make you feel like family. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. They are the best!!!Phil A. ★★★★★ I really enjoy going here. It is a fun environment. I really like how they make you feel comfortable throughout the cleaning. I can't wait to go back.Alex G. ★★★★★ I just came out of my teeth cleaning and dental exam appointment, and wow, it was excellent. Katie the tech, did an outstanding job, and was very gentle and...Lucy M. ★★★★★ Today was my first visit at Apple Springs Family Dentistry, Dr Tay and his staff are wonderful, very professional, kind and welcoming of their patients. I was very comfortable and satisfactory with the care and attention to detail from their office personal. I highly recommended Dr Tay and her dentist professionals for their excellentCare to their patients! Thank you Dr. Patrick Tay and Staff!Terrie W. ★★★★★ My visit was very pleasant. The entire staff was friendly and ready to answer any questions. Dr. Tay explained different options for treatment and made sure all of my questions were answered. He was very knowledgeable. I believe I have found my new dentist!Sally Z. ★★★★★ They attended me very quickly and thoroughly. The doc gave me a referral to an endodontist.HARIBABU G. ★★★★★ Staff and Doctor are very friendly and take good care with attention to detail of your dental care and cleaning.Linda T. ★★★★★ Great no complaintsGeorge S. ★★★★★ Great staff and very pleasant experience. Couldn't be happier. Going to the dentist isn't ever something I look forward to, but these folks are amazing.Donald W. ★★★★★ Fantastic staff, top tier medical care, the doctor is exactly the way you’d hope your dentist would be. Very very satisfied.ingrid V. ★★★★★ Very professional, knowledgeable. Definitely recommendedmarlo T. ★★★★★ Dr. Tay is wonderful. He’s gentle and caring. He made my very nervous daughter so comfortable. We hit the jackpot with Dr. Tay!marlo T. ★★★★★ Dr. Tay is wonderful. He's gentle and caring. He made my very nervous daughter so comfortable. We hit the jackpot with Dr. Tay!Katie A. ★★★★★ Everyone was so amazing. Grace and her cleaning skills! She’s so gentle. I was so nervous, but she made the experience calming. Samantha at the front desk is so sweet! Would refer them to everyone 🙂Peg F. ★★★★★ No one should fear dental work. Particularly, at Apple Springs Family Dentistry. Wonderful group of people from the front office to the back. I was never in any discomfort and, actually, look forward to completing the process. Wonderful to have these professionals in our neighborhood!!Stephanie E. ★★★★★ We love this place for our Family. Everyone is friendly and professional from the front desk employees to the Dr. Couldn't recommend them enough.Nicole C. ★★★★★ Very friendly Owner and family!Queenie T. ★★★★★ Its so funny cause my older daughter loves to see Dr Tay. Not many kids like to see the dentist. Dr. Tay is amazing. He is a very gentle, sweet and honest...Leena T. ★★★★★ Best dental experience EVER! The staff is so nice and professional. The doctor had a cancellation so he actually cleaned my teeth! It was the most thorough...Bonnie H. ★★★★★ This is a dentist office that is my favorite so far as any dentist in Utah, Nevada, and Texas. Let me explain......I broke one of my veneers off and a...Erin J. ★★★★★ Dr Tay is one of the best dentists out there. He repaired my front tooth and it looks better than the other one now. His bedside manner is excellent. He's...Elana M. ★★★★★ Fantastic customer service! Dr Tay and his team are so kind and welcoming. Everyone in his office is very patient and happy to answer any questions that we...Christy E. ★★★★★ I'm not a fan of having to go to the dentist but the team at Apple Springs make the experience pleasant. I highly recommend them!Veronica T. ★★★★★ Awesome service as usual, the whole staff really makes me feel like family. Thank you!Susana G. ★★★★★ Love the place, the staff, the service. Very friendly and professional. Also my little girl feels comfortable and safe.Ciril B. ★★★★★ Happy with the yearly check up and replacement of 3 crowns. Grreat staff. Would recommendEdie O. ★★★★★ Thank you so much for giving me my smile back! Love all of the staff here I have anxiety from previous experience at dentist offices but they have restored...Lizet G. ★★★★★ Friendly staff and professional service. Efficient in and out, always on schedule, My children and I love going to see Dr Tay and his team!Terri G. ★★★★★ The entire staff is professional and very kind. I've had some dental challenges from years ago and I am so thankful for Dr. Tay and his very talented...Jeff K. ★★★★★ I only went once so far. I'll be back. I have had a bad feeling after only one time at other dentists. With this place, so far so good.Michelle B. ★★★★★ Went very well all things considered. Very clean facility with a polite and courteous staff.Terri G. ★★★★★ What a great dental office. EVERYONE was so kind, professional and helpful. The office is very clean and I am thankful my daughter and I will be getting our...Ben H. ★★★★★ Dr Tay and his staff run a clean, modern, an welcoming practice. The hygienist was friendly and efficient, genuinely concerned about my comfort and careful...Mark W. ★★★★★ Super nice people! Very friendly and accommodating. A big step up from that last place I was at!Beth C. ★★★★★ Excellent dentist and great customer service! My mother appreciated the gentle care from the dentist and the wonderful staff throughout the office.Karen T. ★★★★★ Dr. Tay and his entire staff are amazing! I always feel welcomed and everyone is so friendly and professional. I recently moved to the area and had a bad...Jeny M. ★★★★★ We were at our last dental practice for over 10 years - a family of 6, so when we moved to the area, I was *concerned* about finding a practice we loved as...Patti M. ★★★★★ Great dentist office..Desi was my hygienist and was so sweet and very informative..Dr. Tay was very nice ..It was a great experience!!stephanie N. ★★★★★ I have always been afraid to go to any dental office but apple springs family dentistry exceeded all my expectations. Great customer service and its...Mike B. ★★★★★ Great experience at Apple Springs! Needed to find a new dentist and am glad that I stopped by. The girls in the front were very personable and welcoming!...Johnny M. ★★★★★ Dr. Tay and his staff are amazing. They greet us with big smile and white teeth! Treat us with care, especially my youngest son who doesn't like going to...Wayne B. ★★★★★ I am in Texas visiting family and working for the next few weeks and one morning while flossing noticed something in my gums. As my dentist is in...Susana G. ★★★★★ I love this place!!! The Dr. Tay is amazing, good listener, patience, honest and very professional. The staff is incredible and very friendly. My Daughter...Lyudmila L. ★★★★★ Apple Spring is an amazing dentist! It's clean, modern, and the people are great! Everything was quick and convenient from portable X-rays to a TV mounted...Stacy W. ★★★★★ I confess. I am a complete coward when it comes to dentistry. Some bad experiences in my youth fostered a fear of the chair that led me to procrastination...Krystal S. ★★★★★ Incredible staff! Everyone is super polite and friendly. I love how they do X-rays too. It is already uncomfortable having a wedge in your teeth and for the...Amber H. ★★★★★ I can not say enough about Dr.Tay and his staff. They are truly amazing! I have never been a fan of going to the dentist even at 30! Apple Springs made me...Carly C. ★★★★★ Dr Tay and all the staff at Apple Springs are amazing. When we moved to Leander I worried that we wouldn't find the same quality care with the cozy,...Crystal H. ★★★★★ I'm a new patient here and I love this place. The office is very tidy and I've never had a wait at my appointments. The staff is so amazing and they...Soni K. ★★★★★ Dr. Tay is great! I visited his office for the first time for a cleaning and orthodontic care evaluation. He is super friendly and very smart in his field...Edie O. ★★★★★ Awesome experience as always! I have had bad in the past (other clinics). They do a great job explaining what they are doing and do everything possible to...Lauren C. ★★★★★ A comfortable and relaxing place (even though it is a dental office). Everyone was kind and interested in how I was doing. I usually have quite a bit of...Meagan H. ★★★★★ Everything was great from the start. I was referred to go see Dr. Tay from a friend who worked for him previously and she recommended him very highly....Carly C. ★★★★★ Dr Tay and staff are amazing, we relocated to Leander and needed to find a new family dentist, we are so thankful we found Apple Springs. The staff are...Donald K. ★★★★★ Great experience and top notch dentistry. Just moved down from the NorthEast and by far the best dental experience in a long time.Sarah A. ★★★★★ Dr. Tay and his team are excellent. They go above and beyond. We've had nothing but great experiences with them.Mark D. ★★★★★ Very friendly people here, nice office (they even have tv's on the ceiling!), very conscious of safety during covid. I will definitely be back!Sheryl A. ★★★★★ I can't believe I'm actually going to say this but I'll definitely be going back to Dr. Tay. He's awesome!!! As most people do, I have a phobia of going to...Deneke O. ★★★★★ My cleaning was gentle yet thorough. I'm happy I changed to this office. Overall the service was great including the front desk person.Yasmeen A. ★★★★★ I always have a great experience at Apple Springs Dentistry. I get appointment reminders, a quality cleaning, and friendly staff. Dr. Tay is friendly,...Laura J. ★★★★★ I just moved from Austin to the Leander area and did not feel like driving into Austin just to have my teeth cleaned. I did my due diligence and checked out...Kathi L. ★★★★★ I love our dentist and his staff! They are always happy and inviting. It is never asked, "did you/do you floss?" There is no blame or shame, only happy...Yvette D. ★★★★★ This was my first appt with this dental practice. From the office personnel to the dental hygienist to the Dr. was a really good experience!! Everyone was...Donna A. ★★★★★ Everyone was super nice & made sure I was totally comfortable. Price was what I was expecting. Went in for a cracked tooth & was in and out in 2 hours.Dustin N. ★★★★★ Look, I love this place, and I am saying that about a dentist. Everyone is great and personable. They maintain the highest standard of care and I wouldn't...Ry M. ★★★★★ My husband & I both had our first exams & cleanings here this week. We are more than impressed - very clean facility, professional & caring staff &...Chad H. ★★★★★ Great people here! They got me in and out for a procedure in no time. They were very caring and attentive the entire time I was there. My wife and mother in...Joe P. ★★★★★ I had an abscessed tooth and needed it removed quickly. I received an appointment within a day or two. I received excellent care but was unable to be numbed...Julie B. ★★★★★ Everyone in this office is so friendly. They seem to all get along so well. It has a very positive and energetic vibe! Jennifer at the front desk was so...Shannon S. ★★★★★ Absolutely love Dr. Tay and his entire staff. I have high anxiety when it comes to dental work and his entire staff were very understanding and made me...Tom M. ★★★★★ Really nice people, easy scheduling and convenient location for me. I recently relocated from Georgetown and needed a new dentist. I found the staff at...John N. ★★★★★ My teeth are sensitive and I often do not feel comfortable seeing any dentist. Though, this time the cleaning went quite pleasant within my comfort...js_loader
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