Association between brain and periodontitis
An interesting article titled Periodontitis causally affects the brain cortical structure: A Mendelian randomization study written by Mengqiao Wang and et. al. appears in the Journal of Periodontal Research, published December 7, 2023. The authors sought out to estimate whether genetically proxied periodontitis impacts the brain cortical structure. The lines between oral and neurological health blur further, as the article reveals that gum disease isn’t just a dental concern, but can potentially impact the way our brains are wired. The researchers found a causal link between periodontitis, also known as gum disease, and changes in the structure of the brain’s cortex. This is the first study to show such a connection, and may open a new avenue for understanding neurological diseases. To uncover a potential cause-and-effect link between gum disease and brain structure, researchers employed a clever technique called “Mendelian randomization.” … Read more