DiGiallorenzo Among Pennsylvania Periodontists Weighing In On Study That Links Tooth Loss, Dementia

Aug. 14, 2011 - PRLog -- COLLEGEVILLE AND WILLIAMSPORT, PENNSYLVANIA - Although the eyes are considered the window to the soul, recent evidence says the mouth could be the window to the brain. Earlier this year, Japanese researchers found that persons missing many of their teeth had a more significant chance of developing memory problems like dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.

"It has always been a goal of mine to educate patients about how healthy teeth mean more than just aesthetics," says Dr. David DiGiallorenzo, a tooth replacements specialist. "It's a whole-body health issue."

Systemic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and lung disease often are connected to poor oral health, says DiGiallorenzo, a Philadelphia dentist.
More than 4,200 people were included in the Japanese study, according to Medical News Today. The Japanese participants were at least age 65 at the time of the study. Complete dental and psychological exams were given.

Additionally, researchers discovered people who showed memory loss signs frequently said they avoided dental appointments, wrote Jill Montag, a writer with Hearst Connecticut Media Group. The study's lead investigator, Dr Nozomi Okamoto, said absence of dental care might explain the study's findings, but added that he also believed other connections between tooth loss and memory problems could exist.

DiGiallorenzo says gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. People who lose teeth and don't undergo a teeth implants procedure also run the risk of diminished bone tissue once there no longer is a tooth root secured in the bone.
"I hope that by sharing these study results, people who haven't been diligent in their dental care might be enticed to do so now," DiGiallorenzo says.

Learn More
For more information on the Philadelphia periodontists (http://www.perioimplants.us/) at DiGiallorenzo’s office, call: (610) 409-6064 in Collegeville; (570) 322-4741 in Williamsport; or visit his blog:  http://www.perioimplants.us/blog/.

About Dr. David Digiallorenzo
Dr. David Digiallorenzo, or "Dr. D," graduated from Temple University School of Dentistry in 1993 and completed a specialty in periodontics and dental implantology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1995.

Dr. D's private practice in suburban Philadelphia concentrates on periodontics, dental implantology, advanced reconstructive case management and TMJ treatment. He has two office locations: 184 W. Main St., Ste. 200, in Collegeville, PA; and 121 E. Fourth St. in Williamsport, PA.

© 2011 Master Google and Dr. David DiGiallorenzo. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, a company that offers SEO how-to advice (http://www.mastergoogle.com/blog/), is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

# # #

Dr. David Digiallorenzo, graduated from Temple University School of Dentistry in 1993. He completed his Specialty in periodontics and dental implantology from the esteemed University of Pennsylvania In 1995.