Oral health may affect nerve health

Japanese researchers have found that certain bacteria living in the mouth may increase the severity of multiple sclerosis (MS) a serious nerve-related disease.

What is multiple sclerosis?

Multiple sclerosis is a disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve cells.

This damage affects how messages travel between the brain and the rest of the body.

Because of this people with MS may experience muscle weakness balance problems and vision difficulties.

Role of gum disease bacteria

The study showed that bacteria linked to gum disease may play an important role in making MS symptoms worse.

One specific bacterium called Fuso-bacterium nucleatum was found in higher amounts in patients with more severe MS.

Researchers collected samples from the tongues of MS patients and noticed that those with more of this bacterium had stronger disease symptoms.

A unique link to MS

The researchers also found other harmful bacteria in the mouths of these patients.

Interestingly this connection was seen only in multiple sclerosis and not in other similar immune diseases.

This suggests that mouth bacteria may have a special and direct effect on MS.

Gum disease is very common

Gum disease is a long term infection that affects nearly half of the world’s population.

If left untreated it can lead to tooth loss.

Experts say it may also increase the risk of heart disease diabetes and joint problems.

More than a dental problem

This research shows that mouth bacteria do not only affect teeth and gums.

They may also influence the severity of serious nerve diseases like multiple sclerosis.

Keeping good oral hygiene may therefore be more important for overall health than previously believed.