Tooth loss and oral diseases may be indications that a person may develop dementia later in life,
or oral health may contribute to the development of dementia. The researchers say that there can be several possible reasons for the association between tooth loss and dementia, including periodontal disease and early-life nutritional deficiencies, infections or chronic diseases that may result simultaneously in tooth loss and brain damage. They, however, have admitted that further study is needed to confirm whether tooth loss has any real role in bringing on dementia. "It is not clear from our findings whether the association is causal or casual," they say.
