Oral Health and Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Comprehensive Review

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are examples of Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) that are clinically described by progressive neuronal dysfunction and structural disintegration culminating in significant cognitive and motor dysfunction. These conditions can be classified as a significant concern of public health because they are seen more often and impose a rather heavy load on patients and the healthcare system. In this scenario, various research done in the recent past has revealed a probability of a connection between oral hygiene, specifically periodontal disorder, and the development of these diseases. This integrated literature review seeks to analyze periodontal disease, changes in oral flora, and the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Possible pathological factors, such as chronic inflammation, bacterial penetration, amyloidogenic cascade, and oxidative mechanisms are described, as well as the effectiveness of oral hygiene measures on the outcomes of the disease. Moreover, we also investigate the functionality of periodontal treatments, enhanced oral hygiene practices, and antimicrobial treatments as measures that help to reduce these impacts. Such associations could helpto reveal new possibilities for the prevention and treatment of NDs based on a multimodal approach. The present review sums up the existing literature,discusses the gaps in knowledge, and suggests the further directions for clinical practice and research stressing the necessity of a multimodal approach to enhance patient outcomes.