There are many factors that can contribute to the onset of hair loss. Some of the usual culprits include diet, stress, hair care products, as well as Sun exposure. According to recent research, there is also a link between poor dental health and hair loss.
Poor Dental Health and Hair Loss: What Is the Link?
In 2014, a study found that dental cavities can occur as a result of mutations in keratin. This protein plays an important part in the structure of human hair and is also found in the tooth enamel. Before this, the authors knew that the keratin in the hair also undergoes certain changes. These changes happen due to genetic factors and can speed up the onset of hair loss.
The next step was to compare the two. The researchers isolated both mutations, one from the teeth and one from the hair. Both mutations were missing the key chemical that helps the body absorb this protein. They thus concluded that there is no difference between the keratin in our hair and that in our teeth.
So, the link between poor dental health and hair loss is – keratin. Since it’s the same protein, this means that the mutation doesn’t have to start in the hair shaft, as scientists previously thought. Instead, it can happen in the teeth and then carry over to the hair.
What You Can Do
There’s not much you can do to prevent genetic hair loss. But this study shows that good oral hygiene may help delay its onset. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and the use of mouthwash in the evening. If you develop a cavity, it is also important to go to your dentist and have it removed.
