TOKYO : Japanese researchers have revealed in a new study that oral germs, especially bacteria associated with gum disease, can further increase the severity of the disease. Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve cells. This disrupts nerve messages between the brain and body, leaving patients with muscle weakness, difficulty walking, loss of balance, and vision problems. During the study, experts obtained samples from the tongues of MS patients and conducted a detailed analysis of the bacteria present in them. The results showed that patients whose mouths contained a bacterium called Fusobacterium nucleatum in high quantities had relatively more severe symptoms of the disease. According to the researchers, other harmful bacteria were also found in the mouths of such patients, however, this relationship was seen especially in patients with multiple sclerosis, while this effect was not significant in other diseases of the same type. Experts say gum disease is a long-term infection that affects about half the world’s population. It not only causes tooth loss but also increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes and joint problems. Research shows that oral hygiene and gum health are not just limited to teeth, but can also affect the severity of neurological diseases, further highlighting the importance of preventive measures for overall health.
ADVERTISEMENT
