Thinking clearly and maintaining cognitive abilities can become increasingly difficult with age. As the population grows older and people progressively live longer, a rise in dementia cases could potentially occur. Researchers recently released a study focused on seeking a possible link between the ability to chew and dementia. Your Milford implant dentist, Dr. Mitchell I. Quintner, discusses the findings found in the recent study on dementia and chewing ability.
Dementia Study Specifics
Previous studies concluded a connection exists between regularity of chewing and increased brain function. According to the findings from researchers at the Baylor College of Medicine, students scored higher on standardized math exams if they reported regularly gum chewing.
Scientists recently published a study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society regarding findings on the relationship between dementia and the natural process of chewing. The researchers studied a group of 557 elderly people from across America. The study qualified subjects as elderly if they were over 77 years in age. Researchers sought to prove that increased blood flow from chewing aided in reducing dementia.
Study Findings
After concluding their research, the scientists determined dementia occurred at a much higher rate for elderly people with a decreased ability to chew. However, they specified that the means of chewing made little difference on diminished rates of dementia. This underscores the importance of replacing teeth with dentures or dental implants. Although dental implants are proven to reduce jaw bone deterioration, chewing with dentures can apparently still aid in reducing the risk of dementia. However, implants pose many advantages over dentures in regards to maintenance and increased chewing ease for most patients. Implants design also allows them to function like normal teeth.
Additionally, scientists concluded that chewing difficulty of hard foods contributes to a decrease in cognitive functions. Chewing difficulty among patients includes people who cannot chew hard items like apples or pears. Maintaining the ability to chew these items with ease allows the increased blood flow to the brain necessary for optimal brain function.
Schedule Your Visit
Concerned about maintaining optimal oral health? Do you suffer from adult tooth loss? Are you interested in learning more about replacement tooth options? At Sensitive Care Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we provide comprehensive dental care for the whole family and dental implants. Contact our 06460 implant dentistry office by calling (203) 878-6699 to schedule an appointment today. We welcome patients from Milford and all surrounding communities.