Oral Bacteria Linked to Parkinson's: Brushing Teeth May Protect Brain

• New research from South Korea links Streptococcus mutans, a common cavity-causing bacterium, to Parkinson's disease.
• High levels of S. mutans were found in the gut microbiomes of Parkinson's patients, producing harmful compounds like imidazole propionate (ImP).
• ImP travels to the brain, damaging dopamine-producing neurons, which are crucial for movement and lost in Parkinson's.
• Mouse models showed S. mutans led to brain inflammation, motor difficulties, and neuron damage, mimicking Parkinson's features.
• Blocking the mTORC1 signalling pathway reduced brain inflammation and neuron loss, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.

Why It Matters: Daily brushing may protect your brain; oral bacteria linked to Parkinson's disease progression.