Cognitive function & oral healthcare
Two new scientific developments are important to the future of oral healthcare, and in particular independent hygiene.
First, an early stage clinical study suggests that blocking a byproduct from one oral bacteria, P. gingivalis, can improve memory function. Refer to the following chart.

Many independent hygiene practices serve older patients. Perhaps as many as 1 in 4 of these patients are entering mild cognitive impairment and also have sore and bleeding gums. Many more fear the loss of cognitive function.
A patient with poor oral health and mild cognitive impairment has 4 times the risk of dementia as a peer with good oral health.
So about the future of oral healthcare?