At Total Health Dentistry of Encino, we believe that oral health is essential to total body wellness—and brain health is no exception. June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, a time to come together, raise awareness, and promote habits that can protect your cognitive health throughout life.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly erodes memory, thinking skills, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. It’s the most common cause of dementia, a general term for cognitive decline that interferes with daily living. Sadly, Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging—and today, over 6 million Americans are living with the disease.
Why Is Brain Health So Important?
Our brains are at the core of who we are—controlling everything from movement and memory to mood and decision-making. Keeping your brain healthy reduces the risk of cognitive decline, improves overall well-being, and preserves independence as you age.
Research shows that the lifestyle choices we make—diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, and even oral health—directly impact brain longevity.
The Oral Health and Brain Health Connection
Exciting research continues to reveal that what happens in the mouth doesn’t stay in the mouth. Gum disease, for example, doesn’t just affect your teeth; it triggers systemic inflammation throughout the body, including the brain. This chronic, low-grade inflammation has been linked to the development and acceleration of Alzheimer’s disease.
“Knowing that the majority of patients with Alzheimer’s have gum disease, along with high levels of bad bacteria, when their dementia is diagnosed is an adequate reason to do your utmost to eliminate and prevent gum inflammation,” says Dr. Isaac Comfortes. “At Total Health Dentistry of Encino, we are committed to helping our patients understand this connection and take action. By maintaining excellent oral health, you can support cognitive well-being—and we are here to partner with you on that journey.”
Dr. Comfortes Strives to Prevent Alzheimer’s
Dr. Comfortes is among a small number of dental professionals trained in the fundamentals of Dr. Dale Bredesen’s Alzheimer’s prevention program. He is currently enrolled in Apollo Health’s certification program for dentists working in collaboration with physicians to combat dementia.
At Total Health Dentistry, we offer:
- Comprehensive cleanings and periodontal care designed to control inflammation
- Oral DNA saliva testing to identify harmful bacteria
- The Perio Protect™ system—an easy-to-use, home treatment clinically proven to kill pathogenic bacteria within 72 hours.
Our goal is simple: to protect your smile, your body, and your brain.
Ten Practical Ways to Support Brain Health
While taking care of your oral health is a vital step, there’s much more you can do to build brain resilience:
- Exercise regularly. Aim for 30–60 minutes of moderate exercise most days. Activities like brisk walking or swimming boost blood flow to the brain and improve cognitive function.
- Eat a brain-healthy diet. A Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and fish supports both heart and brain health.
- Get quality sleep. Strive for 7–9 consecutive hours per night. Sleep helps clear toxins from the brain and consolidate memory.
- Stay mentally active. Read, learn new skills, do puzzles, or play an instrument to build cognitive reserves.
- Maintain strong social connections. Social engagement stimulates brain pathways and reduces the risk of memory loss.
- Manage stress. Chronic stress negatively affects brain health. Activities like meditation, yoga, and spending time outdoors can help.
- Protect your vascular health. Manage blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Healthy blood vessels = a healthier brain.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol. Both are associated with an increased risk of dementia.
- Protect your head. Wear helmets when biking or skiing to prevent traumatic brain injury.
- Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness and gratitude have both been shown to support brain health.
As Dr. Comfortes often says: “Healthy habits today are the foundation of a healthier future tomorrow.”
Why Choose Total Health Dentistry of Encino?
Patients travel from across the Los Angeles area to entrust their care to Dr. Isaac Comfortes and his team. They know that at Total Health Dentistry of Encino, oral health is treated as an essential piece of the total health puzzle—including cognitive longevity.
Whether you are concerned about gum disease, have a family history of Alzheimer’s, or simply want to do everything you can to stay healthy, we are here for you. We offer personalized, comprehensive care rooted in the latest science and delivered with compassion.
If it’s been a while since your last dental visit—or if you want to learn more about how oral health supports brain health—give us a call today. Let’s protect your smile and your future together.
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The general, cosmetic and reconstructive dental practice of Encino dentist Dr. Isaac Comfortes is devoted to restoring optimal oral health, which supports whole body health and enhances the natural beauty of smiles.
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