Covina Residents: Can Gum Disease Impact Your Brain?

This June, in recognition of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, we’re joining healthcare providers across the country in spotlighting one of the most urgent health challenges of our time: cognitive decline. But what does your oral health have to do with your brain?

As it turns out, quite a bit.

At Dr. Jeffrey Cohen’s dental office in Covina, we believe dentistry goes far beyond cleanings and checkups. Your mouth is the gateway to your body—and recent research shows that chronic gum disease (periodontitis) may be a surprising and significant risk factor in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.

🧠 What’s the Link Between Gum Disease and Alzheimer’s?

Gum disease doesn’t just stay in your mouth. It’s a chronic inflammatory condition that, when left untreated, allows harmful bacteria to enter your bloodstream and travel throughout the body—including to your brain.

Recent studies have found:

• P. gingivalis, a key bacteria involved in periodontitis, has been detected in the brain tissue of Alzheimer’s patients.
• Chronic gum inflammation may trigger the release of immune responses that damage neurons over time.
• People with moderate to severe periodontal disease have a significantly higher risk of developing cognitive decline.

This emerging science paints a clear picture: maintaining your gum health isn’t just about keeping your teeth. It’s about protecting your memory, your mental sharpness, and your quality of life as you age.

🚨 Warning Signs of Gum Disease

Many people have gum disease and don’t even know it. It’s often painless until serious damage has occurred.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Chronic bad breath
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Gum recession (teeth appearing longer)
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Spaces forming between teeth
• A bad taste in your mouth that won’t go away

If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it’s time to schedule a professional evaluation.

🪥 Prevention = Brain Protection

Here’s the good news: gum disease is preventable and treatable, especially when caught early. At our Covina office, we offer comprehensive periodontal care to help stop inflammation and protect your whole-body health.

Our periodontal services include:

• ✔️ Thorough gum evaluations and pocket depth measurement
• ✔️ Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
• ✔️ Antibacterial treatments
• ✔️ Laser therapy (when appropriate)
• ✔️ Personalized home care guidance

Preventive dental visits twice a year—and sometimes more frequently if you’re at higher risk—are your best line of defense against gum disease.

❤️ Protect Your Smile. Protect Your Mind.

Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t have one single cause—but growing research shows that oral inflammation and infection may be a contributing factor.

That means something as simple as staying on top of your dental cleanings could have long-term benefits for your brain. In fact, several studies suggest that people who maintain healthy gums perform better on memory and cognition tests compared to those with advanced gum disease.

📅 Schedule Your Gum Health Evaluation Today

If it’s been a while since your last dental checkup—or you’re worried about gum disease symptoms—now is the time to act.

In honor of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, we’re encouraging all Covina residents to prioritize their oral health as part of a whole-body wellness strategy.

📞 Call (626) 967-6453 or visit https://dentistincovina.com to schedule your comprehensive gum health evaluation today.

Let’s protect your smile—and your memory—for the years ahead.