Tooth loss and memory: unexpected links

A new study confirms that the fewer teeth a person has, the lower their ability to memorize information. The experiment included 273 participants aged 55 and older, and the results showed a correlation between the number of natural teeth and success in memory tests.

The scientists emphasize that they took into account the age of each participant to eliminate the influence of this factor on memory ability.

Although the researchers were unable to determine the reasons for this link, the results are in line with previous studies. The study also confirmed that having natural teeth in humans affects their cognitive abilities, which can lead to memory problems in older age.

Studies on animals, including rats, showed that those who had their teeth pulled had difficulty remembering new information. The effect increased as the number of teeth decreased, accompanied by a loss of neurons and an effect on the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for memory.

Reducing the number of teeth can weaken sensory signals sent to the brain, negatively affecting its functions, including memory. Natural teeth send signals to the brain via a nerve responsible for facial sensation, motor functions such as biting and chewing.

Dentures, while they help with eating, lack nerves and ligaments, potentially reducing the transmission of sensory data to the brain.

There may be a common factor that explains the link between teeth and memory, such as gum infections, which can cause inflammation and neuronal death, which in turn affects memory. Researchers also looked at other factors such as education level and medical history, but none had a clear impact.

The average study participant had 22 teeth, which is one-third less than the norm. This may cause people to avoid certain foods important for good memory.