An oral health expert recently appeared on a podcast to talk about a four-minute oral health routine which can help in numerous ways. The routine helps to protect our oral health and reduce the risk of developing several systemic conditions, including Dementia. Therefore, the expert provides useful advice!
A leading oral health expert has recently appeared on a podcast to speak about the simple four-minute oral health routine which can reduce the risk of a person developing Dementia [1].
Dementia is a debilitating condition. Therefore, finding ways of avoiding this is important and can improve quality of life as we age.
The routine is simple, and the vast majority of people already do it – simply brushing your teeth twice per day for two minutes! But why is this so important and how is it linked to dementia?
What is Dementia?
Dementia is a syndrome that involves consistent cognitive decline over time, worsening brain function, and health issues. Moreover, it affects the way that a person sees, remembers and behaves [2].
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2022, 4% of adults aged 65 and above in the United States have dementia [3].
Interestingly, oral health problems have been linked to the onset of dementia. Research has consistently demonstrated a link between poor oral health and an increased chance of developing dementia in later life [4].
Therefore, this makes oral health very important! Now, health expert Dr. Alp Kantarci has spoken of this link and advised on the importance of following the four-minute routine [1].
The Interview
Kantarci recently took part in a conversation with Jonathan Wolf, who is the co-founder of ZOE Health – a company that aids the health of its customers through test kits, meal plans, nutritional programs, and step-by-step programs [5].
Kantarci works at the Forsyth Institute – a prestigious establishment that has developed substantial scientific research in recent years. Moreover, he also serves as a faculty member at the Harvard University School of Dental Medicine [1].
Kantarci spoke about the connection between oral health problems and more than 50 systemic health conditions. He said “if you neglect your oral health, you increase your risk of heart disease, your diabetes, your dementia, and your other diseases anywhere in the body” [1].
The link between oral health and dementia is believed to be due to bacteria in the mouth. Certain types of bacteria in the mouth have been found at a high level in people with dementia [1].
For example, this includes the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis, which travels from the mouth to the brain through the bloodstream. Then, once in the brain, it releases enzymes that are capable of destroying nerve cells. This can contribute to memory loss [1].
By having poor oral health, bacteria can build up on the teeth, which causes inflammation. This results in gum disease, which is another oral health issue.
Similarly, Kantarci pointed to research that involved over 34,000 participants. This research found that participants with at least one tooth missing were 1.5 times more likely to suffer from cognitive impairment compared to those with no teeth missing [1].
As most cases of tooth loss are due to extensive tooth decay and severe gum disease, this provides more evidence of the link between oral health and dementia.
The four-minute routine
Kantarci spoke of the importance of brushing our teeth twice per day for two minutes. This can help to lessen the risk of oral health problems.
While this may seem obvious, not everyone does brush their teeth twice a day. Moreover, some people do not brush in an effective way, leaving them vulnerable to oral health problems.
Kantarci spoke about this too. He says that “you have to not only clean the teeth, but you also have to clean up the gums that are actually around your teeth” [1].
Continuing, he said that “you also have to clean your tongue, for instance, after you brush your teeth because the tongue is also a big reservoir for a lot of the bacteria that can actually create a lot of problems for your oral health and your systemic health” [1].
Therefore, Kantarci says regular tooth brushing, flossing, using mouthwash and tongue cleaning all contribute towards strong oral health and reducing the risk of bacteria build-up, gum disease and ultimately, dementia [1].
In terms of a routine, Kantarci says do not skip evening brushing, “because you cannot skip that because your saliva flow goes the lowest at night when you’re sleeping” [1]. Therefore, this means that when a person doesn’t brush their teeth, “the lubricating function is not there anymore” [1].
Furthermore, Kantarci says that brushing in the morning is also important, and midday brushing is also advisable. Finally, “flossing at least once a day, preferably before you go to bed” is important “because you don’t want any carbohydrates to get stuck between your teeth, so that the bacteria cannot really breed on them” [1].
Summary
The comments on the podcast are very useful. Dr. Kantarci speaks with good authority, having partook in research into the topic.
Overall, toothbrushing is a crucial activity and can help in many ways. By looking after our oral health, it can help protect us against a range of diseases, including dementia.
Moreover, it can also improve our overall health and aid our overall quality of life, helping us age in a healthy way.
Thinking points…
[1] Dr. Kantarci also spoke of the importance of attending regular dental check-ups, as this can help with the early detection and management of oral health issues. While he said that this was especially important for older individuals, all of us need to look after our oral health. Therefore, remember to book up a check-up soon!
[2] We mentioned above the issue of tooth loss, which impacts many people. However, treatment for tooth loss is available – with implants offering an excellent option! Here at our Calgary dental clinic Taradale Dental, we offer free implant consultations for our patients. We would love to discuss your options with you! Find out more on our website – https://taradaledental.ca/!
What we offer at Taradale Dental
Taradale Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. At our Calgary dental clinic, we provide a range of services for our patients.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
Here at Taradale Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
Moreover, the fees of our treatments at our Calgary dental clinic Taradale Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing, with no hidden costs.
We hope to see you soon at our Taradale Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://taradaledental.ca/!
References
[1] Smith, C. (2025). Reduce your risk of dementia with four minute activity Harvard expert recommends. Available: https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/2019258/harvard-exper-says-4-minutes-day-could-significantly-lower-your-risk-dementia. Last accessed: 28th February 2025.
[2] NHS. (2023). About dementia. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/about/. Last accessed: 28th February 2025.
[3] Kramarow, E. A. (2024). Diagnosed Dementia in Adults Age 65 and Older: United States, 2022. Available: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr203.pdf. Last accessed: 28th February 2025.
[4] Kiuchi, S., Cooray, U., Kusama, T., Yamamoto, T., Abbas, H., Nakazawa, N., Kondo, L., Osaka, K., & Aida, J. (2022). Oral Status and Dementia Onset: Mediation of Nutritional and Social Factors. Journal of Dental Research. 101 (4): p420-427. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/00220345211049399.
[5] ZOE. (2025). Homepage. Available: https://zoe.com/. Last accessed: 28th February 2025.
Leave A Comment