Many people think of their dental health separately from their general well-being, but the truth is that the two are closely connected together. For instance, severe gum disease is known to affect other health conditions, such as diabetes.
But did you know that your dental condition can also potentially affect your brain health? A 2023 study identified a potential link between oral bacteria and brain abscesses, which can be fatal if left untreated. Continue reading to learn more about the connection and how you can prevent potential problems!
What are Brain Abscesses?
A brain abscess is a somewhat rare but usually serious medical condition in which a collection of pus, fluid, and immune cells forms a capsule inside the brain tissue. There are several potential causes, including physical trauma, nearby infections, or diseases that spread through the bloodstream.
Brain abscesses can cause severe headaches, weakness or paralysis, speech problems, changes in vision, and other general health concerns, including nausea, vomiting, confusion, fever, or seizures. It almost always necessitates emergency medical care. They are usually diagnosed with brain scans, such as CT or MRI imaging, and might require surgical intervention, antibiotics or antifungals, or a combination of treatment options to address.
How Can Dental Health Affect Brain Abscesses?
You’re not alone if you’re surprised to learn that your dental condition can affect your brain health, but it’s true! Researchers in a 2023 study examined the records of 87 patients admitted to the hospital with brain abscesses, including abscess sampling and peripheral cultures.
The cause of brain abscess was found in just 35 of these cases, meaning that the reason for the growth was unknown for the remaining 52 patients. However, those with unknown causes for their abscess were found to be about 3 times as likely as the others to have oral bacteria present in their samples.
Researchers learned that these patients had significantly higher levels of a specific oral bacterium, Streptococcus anginosus, which is often found in dental abscesses and can enter the bloodstream to travel to other areas of the body. For instance, it’s also known to contribute to pharyngitis or infections of other organs, including the lung, liver, and brain.
How Can I Help Prevent Oral Issues?
Thankfully, there are several ways you can keep your mouth clean to help avoid dental issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, oral abscesses, or other infections, including:
- Implementing a consistent at-home dental hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing both morning and night removes plaque and bacteria that contribute to many common issues, including cavities and gum disease.
- Scheduling routine dental appointments. Seeing your dentist every 6 months for a preventive examination, X-rays, and professional cleaning helps keep your smile healthy and allows your provider to catch and treat hidden issues before they become more problematic.
- Seeking help right away for areas of concern. You might think a dental concern, such as a toothache, will eventually resolve itself, but that’s not usually the case. Oral issues tend to worsen the longer they remain untreated, so it’s best to contact your provider for an appointment sooner rather than later.
As you can see, taking a few simple precautions to help protect your smile can also help prevent more serious health consequences long-term!
Meet the Author
Dr. Joe Ornelas is passionate about helping improve his patients’ lives by enhancing their oral health to support their general well-being. He earned his dental doctorate from Indiana University School of Dentistry, and today, remains committed to continuing education through various study clubs and societies. He uses state-of-the-art technology to provide a comprehensive menu of services, including checkups and cleanings, to meet the unique needs of people of all ages. You can request an appointment on the website or call (219) 663-2892.