Alec Hilton: CEO BioMin Technologies Ltd
Typically, cognitive decline is seen as a normal part of aging, with mild cognitive impairment affecting 15% of older adults. Cognitive impairment is a risk factor for developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, and is therefore a large public health concern, requiring the need to understand contributing factors for cognitive decline, and any ways to potentially reduce the risk.[i] As mouth bacteria is thought to be an indicator for future brain health,[ii] dental professionals have a key role to play in supporting their patients in maintaining a healthy oral microbiome, preventing oral diseases and protecting their long-term general health.
Bacteria linked to brain function
Periodontitis and edentulism are associated with reduced cognitive function, potentially due to the inflammation and damage caused by pathogenic oral bacteria – such as Porphyromonas gingivalis.i A study, led by the University of Exeter, revealed that certain types of bacteria were associated with better memory and attention whereas others were linked with poor brain health and Alzheimer’s disease. The study highlighted that apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) genotype and nitric oxide (NO) deficiency are risk factors for cognitive decline during ageing. As the oral microbiome has an impact on maintaining NO during this time, the study assessed the interaction between the oral microbiome, NO biomarkers, and cognitive function in order to establish its potential impact.i
The study found that individuals who had higher levels of P. gingivalis were more likely to have memory issues, and that those with Prevotella present were linked to the presence of the APOE4 gene, and were therefore at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Both of these bacteria types are linked to periodontal disease, therefore suggesting that the prevention of oral diseases will in turn reduce the risk of developing cognitive impairment in the future. The study’s findings reveal that the oral microbiome may be a factor that initiates systemic inflammation, ultimately leading to neurological damage that results in Alzheimer’s disease. Further to this, lifestyle and environmental factors that modulate the oral microbiome resulted in variations in the progression of neurodegeneration.i
Conversely, participants in the study who had higher levels of Neisseria and Haemophilus performed better in cognitive tasks related to memory and attention, with these bacteria related to enhanced oral health. It is important that dental professionals are aware of this link, and the important role oral health can play in their patients’ long-term cognition. Interventions that promote beneficial bacteria may help delay cognitive decline and, even though oral health is not officially considered a risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, clinicians should make the appropriate recommendations for patients with poor oral health or who are at risk for oral diseases such as periodontitis.
Taking care of oral health for overall health
In order to assist patients in the prevention of oral diseases, it’s important to offer oral hygiene instructions. The removal of plaque is essential to prevent disease, with plaque scores reduced by 50% following toothbrushing (either with or without the use of a toothpaste). This highlights the key role that mechanical plaque removal plays. However, the use of a toothpaste is essential for the delivery of fluoride – considered to be highly effective in the prevention of caries development.[iii]
It can be helpful to recommend the appropriate tools for patients to use, in order to ensure they are using high quality oral care products to protect their oral health. A toothpaste should contain an appropriate concentration of fluoride in order to access its enamel strengthening properties.
BioMin® F toothpaste offers advanced protection and lasting effectiveness. Unlike regular toothpastes, it contains 530ppm of fluoride that is slowly released over 12 hours – providing up to six times longer protection. Its unique formulation uses a ground-breaking bioactive glass that bonds to the tooth surface, sealing exposed pathways to the nerves and releasing fluoride ions precisely when needed, especially in the presence of acid from food or drink. This efficient delivery system means less fluoride is needed for superior results. For younger patients, BioMin® F for Kids delivers the same powerful protection in a gentle, child-friendly strawberry flavour.
Oral health throughout life has a significant impact on cognitive health as we age. As such, supporting patients in maintaining their oral health is essential for delaying cognitive decline later in life. Dental professionals play a key role in educating and assisting their patients in the prevention of oral disease, so making specific recommendations tailored for each patient is vital.
For more information about BioMin®, and their innovative range of toothpastes, please visit www.biomin.co.uk, or email marketing@biomin.co.uk.
Calling all dentists! Do you want samples or a practice visit? Speak to our UK dealers, Trycare on 01274 88 55 44 or email: dental@trycare.co.uk, or CTS on 01737 765400 or email: sales@cts-dental.com
[i] L’Heureux, Joanna E., et al. “Oral microbiome and nitric oxide biomarkers in older people with mild cognitive impairment and APOE4 genotype.” PNAS nexus 4.1 (2025): pgae543. https://academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/article/4/1/pgae543/7960038
[ii] BBC. Mouth bacteria ‘may indicate future brain health’. Accessed April 2025. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd7djpvv25ro
[iii] Sälzer, Sonja, et al. “Contemporary practices for mechanical oral hygiene to prevent periodontal disease.” Periodontology 2000 84.1 (2020): 35-44.
