Dental Health and Parkinson’s
The short version is that the bacteria Streptococcus mutans and it’s likely contribution to Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is that this another good reason to keep your dental health at its best. For most people you can minimize the risk by brushing twice a day and flossing, at least, several times per week. I addressed general health and dental health in an earlier blog but now have to add this addendum.
Streptococcus mutans, an oral microbe, is significantly elevated in the gut microbiome of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients.
Strep mutans is linked to the production of a compound that has been shown to increase a Parkinsons like pathology in mouse studies. (imidazole propionate)
Strep mutans can colonize the gut especially in the presence of periodontitis (gum inflammation-note redness around the teeth and probably with bleeding when flossing or brushing).
Impact on Parkinson's Disease
· S. mutans is enriched in the gut microbiome of PD patients, indicating imbalance.
· It can worsen motor dysfunction and neurodegeneration.
· Oral pathogens contribute to neuroinflammation and immune activation, raising neurodegeneration risk.
At this point, nobody seems to be saying that Streptococcus mutans is THE cause of Parkinson’s but that poor dental health can be a contributor to the progression. So here is a self-help step that can make a difference.
As I mention in the other blog linked above, taking 200 mg of CoQ-10 can help with gum health. The benefits of CoQ-10 have been known for at least 40 years.
NuMedica CoQ-Clear 100 Ubiquinol
DS 2025