Long-term exposure to road traffic noise has been found to be associated with a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease – a condition that, amongst many things, makes it very difficult for people to manage their oral health.
As reported by The Guardian, existing research found potential biological pathways that link noise exposure to Parkinson’s disease, caused by stress responses and disrupted sleep.
The new study followed more than 3 million Danish participants and found that for every 11.5dB rise in noise level, the risk of Parkinson’s increased by 3% over the 18-year study.
Last year, the European Environment Agency reported that more than 110 million in Europe are suffering high levels of health-damaging noise pollution. But it’s poorly understood and regulated in the UK.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder in which parts of the brain become damaged over time, affecting movement and balance.
Participants in 2025 UK study said that maintaining their oral health helped them preserve their independence and wellbeing, but they faced difficulties carrying out oral care at home. This is because Parkinson’s leads to impaired hand control, fatigue, and balance issues, making toothbrushing more challenging.
Having a quiet part of the house may help to mitigate the potentially harmful effects of noise pollution, and Parkinson’s care teams alongside dental professionals can help individuals maintain their independence for longer by recommending practical adaptations for oral care.
>Since you’re here, why not read about the 4 core aspects of an effective marketing strategy?
Main image credit: Unsplash
