The secret of mental clarity lies in oral health: Bacteria in the mouth affect intelligence and memory

In the world of neurology, microbiology, and public health, a surprising scientific discovery has been made regarding the cellular basis of mental cognition speed and memory power. From the University of Exeter in England, Dr. The expert team, led by Joanna E. L'Heureux, examined how the microbial community found on the tongue (oral microbiome) shapes the cognitive functions of the brain.

In the study published in the journal PLOS One, tongue swabs, blood and saliva samples taken from young and old individuals living in England and Belgium were analyzed with advanced DNA sequencing technologies.

NITRATE FOODS INCREASE THE BRAIN'S BLOOD FLOW AND REACTION SPEED

The biological basis of the research is the process of processing dietary nitrate by oral bacteria. When beets, spinach and green leafy vegetables are consumed, nitrate enters the bloodstream and reaches the beneficial bacteria in the mouth through saliva.

Friendly bacteria on the tongue convert nitrate into nitric, and the body converts it into nitric oxide. This secreted gas compound relaxes the vessels of the brain, increases blood flow and directly supports mental performance.

THOSE CARRIING PREVOTELLA HISTICOLA BACTERIA WERE FAST IN THE TESTS

In clinical memory, focus and reaction tests; It was determined that individuals with high levels of Prevotella histicola bacteria on their tongue responded much faster, regardless of age.

Additionally, the presence of Haemophilus parainfluenzae bacteria increased logical reasoning and spatial awareness in subjects in England, while it radically increased visual and working memory scores in subjects in Belgium. It has been documented that nitrate-converting bacteria Neisseria flavescens are much more abundant on the tongue of young individuals.

GUM DISEASES TRIGGER MENTAL DECLINE

The study also showed that the beneficial microbiome balance on the tongue is disrupted with aging. It has been determined that harmful bacteria such as Treponema and Tannerella, which cause gingivitis, increase in the oral structure of elderly individuals.

Scientists; Stating that geographical location, eating habits and oral hygiene directly affect brain health, he stated that memory loss and cognitive decline due to aging can be prevented in the future with probiotic treatments targeting the oral microbiome.