Cleaning teeth like this can reduce Alzheimer's risk by a whopping 70%

Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible, degenerative disorder that is a subtle form of dementia. The illness causes the brain cells to waste away and perish, and it is one of the most insidious health catastrophes of the contemporary era. Alzheimer's is increasingly becoming a serious issue, affecting millions worldwide, potentially resulting in loss of memory, deterioration in thinking ability, and ultimately in the loss of ability to perform even the simplest everyday activities. With each advancing step of medicine and further exploration of preventative care and therapies, new evidence is mounting that a surprising daily practice—flossing—could have a significant effect in lessening the chance of developing a disease that can be lethal, like Alzheimer's.

According to a study published in the Archives of Dental Research, it is the new research linking oral health to brain health. Long-term gum disease resulting from inadequate oral hygiene, such as not flossing, can cause systemic inflammation. Systemic inflammation is thought to lead to the progression of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia by enabling damaging bacteria to penetrate the brain. Good oral hygiene, such as frequent flossing, could reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

The connection between oral health and brain function has increasingly become a priority issue over the past few years. According to scientific data, gum disease, especially chronic periodontitis, inevitably causes inflammatory reactions. Inflammation is responsible for many of these systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

Good oral care is more than having a healthy smile; it is crucial to maintaining long-term brain functionality. Flossing, in particular, enters the interproximal spaces between teeth where toothbrushes cannot fit. These are good places for bacteria to colonize. Plaque, if left undisturbed, turns into tartar, which leads to gum irritation (gingivitis) and more severe infection (periodontitis). Breaking up this bacterial colonization daily decreases chronic inflammation in the gums and reduces the risk of systemic inflammatory responses, which can impact the brain.
There are several longitudinal studies that have supported the link between poor oral hygiene and cognitive impairment. Patients with chronic gum disease were found to develop cognitive decline at a higher rate than individuals with healthy gums. Furthermore, scientists have found specific bacteria from the mouth in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, supporting the theory that gum disease bacteria can directly cause the disease to develop.

Flossing is an inexpensive, painless, and simple mechanism to combat this risk. Regular flossing as part of the daily routine can reduce the amount of unhealthy bacteria in the mouth, with the result being healthier gums and fewer inflammatory activities in the body. Flossing every day, with caution not to injure the gums, is a dental care professional's recommendation.

In addition to flossing, thorough oral care regimens include brushing teeth two times daily in the morning and at night, using fluoride toothpaste and antiseptic mouthwash, and visiting the dentist on a regular basis. Proper dietary intake, such as that being low in sugar and high in anti-inflammatory dietary components like fruit, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids, also aids in oral and cognitive well-being.

While flossing individually cannot guarantee preventing Alzheimer's disease, it is an important component of an overall approach to the reduction of risk factors. Used together with good control of diet, exercise, mental stimulation, and treatment of chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, flossing is part of a multilateral preventative approach to optimal brain health in older age.
Preserving mental acuity might begin with habits as simple as daily tooth brushing. Good oral health might be one of those small steps with enormous long-term payoffs — a reminder that the most powerful health interventions tend to lie in our daily routines.