If You Want To Keep Alzheimer’s At Bay, Brush Your Teeth

If you want to keep Alzheimer's disease at bay, don't forget to brush.

In addition to giving you kissable breath, researchers at the Department of Clinical Science, with Norway's University of Bergen (UiB), say proper dental care can keep away the dreaded neurological disease.

The scientists determined that gingivitis, the gum disease that comes from lack of brushing and flossing, plays a role in who gets Alzheimer's, and who doesn't.

The enzymes the bacteria produce break down nerve cells in the brain. This leads to lapses in memory in the short term, and, ultimately, Alzheimer's. Mydel and his team discovered the presence of these enzymes in 96% of the 53 patients suffering from Alheimer's the researchers studied.

A good reason to brush everyday.