Study Ties Tooth Loss to Memory Loss

A latest study published in the European journal of Oral Sciences associated tooth loss to memory problems in elderly people.

In the study, researchers from Umea University and Stockholm University in Sweden and the Institute of Clinical Dentistry in Tromsx, Norway, explained that sensory impulses are stimulated with the movement of the jaw and teeth. The frequency of the impulses stimulated drops when the number of teeth reduces. The hippocampus region of the brain receives fewer signals, which results in low memory.

To prove the hypothesis, the researchers conducted a study on 273 participants belonging to the age group 55-80 years. The researchers had examined the participant's mouth and gave self-reported health assessment. Later the participants were made to participate in a series of cognitive tests. The study didn't involve those with dementia or other neurological conditions. The average number of teeth the participants had was 22.

"In line with the stated hypothesis, the number of natural teeth was positively associated with performance on episodic memory, recall as well as recognition," wrote the authors. "Alone, number of natural teeth could account for 20 percent of the variance in episodic recall, 15 percent of the variance in episodic recognition, and 14 percent of the variance in semantic memory." 

Those with their own teeth had nearly 4 percent improved memory when compared to those who had no teeth. From this study the researchers conclude that natural teeth have a great impact on cognitive function.

Scientists also believe that chewing increases the blood flow to the brain which improves the functioning of the brain. Also elders with dentures and weak teeth avoid certain food which may be a cause of  nutritional deficiencies leading to memory loss.