Benefits of brushing teeth daily: It could protect your brain as study links oral bacteria to Parkinson’s disease Scientists have uncovered a connection between oral health and brain health. New research suggests that a common cavity-causing bacterium may travel from the mouth to the gut, release harmful compounds into the bloodstream, and contribute to brain changes linked to Parkinson’s disease. Namita S Kalla January 09, 2026 / 11:04 IST join Us on WhatsApp Follow Us On Google Add as a Preferred Source on Google Health benefits of brushing teeth (Image: Pexels) Parkinson's disease can be caused by Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium commonly associated with dental cavities (Image: Pexels) Snapshot AI Study finds oral bacteria linked to brain changes in Parkinson's disease Streptococcus mutans may damage dopamine neurons via gut-brain pathway Blocking mTORC1 pathway reduced brain inflammation and neuron loss in mice Did our AI summary help? read AI Shorts People often believe that tooth decay is a local problem, painful, inconvenient, but confined to the mouth. New research from South Korea suggests it may not be that simple. A bacterium best known for causing cavities could be quietly influencing the brain, raising fresh questions about how oral health, gut health and neurological disease are deeply connected. The study, led by researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH), focused on Parkinson’s disease, a neurological condition that affects movement, balance and muscle control. Parkinson’s impacts around 1–2 percent of people over 65 and has long puzzled scientists searching for its origins. Earlier studies had hinted that people with Parkinson’s disease often have different gut bacteria compared to healthy individuals. What remained unclear was which microbes mattered, and how they could influence the brain. The POSTECH team found a compelling suspect: Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium commonly associated with dental cavities. Also read | Dopamine's role in Parkinson’s disease was always misunderstood, says new study Read More Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated! Subscribe to Tech Newsletters Al Edge Newsletter On Saturdays Find the best of Al News in one place, specially curated for you every weekend. MC Tech 3 Newsletter Daily-Weekdays Stay on top of the latest tech trends and biggest startup news. Email address Enter your email address Subscribe Advisory Alert: It has come to our attention that certain individuals are representing themselves as affiliates of Moneycontrol and soliciting funds on the false promise of assured returns on their investments. We wish to reiterate that Moneycontrol does not solicit funds from investors and neither does it promise any assured returns. In case you are approached by anyone making such claims, please write to us at grievanceofficer@nw18.com or call on 02268882347 moneycontrol Follow Us On: Facebook twitter instagram linkedin youtube Stocks: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Others Trending Topics Sensex Today Gold Silver Price AI Summit 2026 Live Ola Electric Share Price Mohsin Naqvi YouTube down Delhi Scorpio Case Delhi Weather SIP Returns Ramadan 2026 Start Date in India News Business Markets Stocks India News City News Economy Mutual Funds Personal Finance IPO News Startups Markets Home Currencies Commodities Pre-Market IPO Global Market Bonds Silver MCX Price Gold MCX Price Personal Finance Home Loans up to 50 Lakhs Credit Cards Lifetime Free Finance TrackerNew Fixed Deposits Fixed Deposit Comparison Fixed Income Mutual Funds Home MC 30 Top Ranked Funds ETFs Mutual Fund Screener Tools Income Tax Calculator EMI Calculator Retirement Planning Gratuity Calculator Petrol Price in India Diesel Price in India IFSC Code Community Stock Markets Network 18 Sites News18 Firstpost CNBC TV18 News18 Hindi Cricketnext Overdrive Quick Links About Us Contact Us Advisory Alert Advertise with Us SupportDisclaimer Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Terms & Conditions Financial Terms (Glossary) Sitemap Investors Download MC Apps: Google store App store Bsi Copyright © Network18 Media & Investments Limited. All rights reserved. Reproduction of news articles, photos, videos or any other content in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of moneycontrol.com is prohibited.

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