Jan 10, 2020
At Gentle Dental, we are firm believers in the power of flossing for your oral health. But did you know that flossing (cleaning between your teeth) isn’t just crucial for preventing gum disease—it could also reduce your risk of serious health conditions like dementia, stroke, and heart disease?
Flossing is an easy, yet often overlooked habit, and many people don't realise how important it is for overall health. In this article, we’ll dive into why flossing should be a daily part of your routine and explain how it connects to preventing various health conditions. As your trusted Salisbury dentist, we are here to help you understand the life-changing benefits of flossing.
The Scientific Link Between Flossing and Long-Term Health
Flossing isn’t just about keeping your teeth and gums clean—it's also a proven way to reduce inflammation throughout your body. Studies have shown that flossing regularly can not only reduce your risk of gum disease but may also help lower your chances of heart disease and stroke. More recent studies suggest that flossing can even decrease your risk of developing dementia.
But why are oral health and systemic health so closely linked?
The answer lies in inflammation. The bacteria that cause gum disease can travel through the bloodstream, potentially affecting your organs and leading to long-term damage. By flossing and cleaning between your teeth regularly, you help remove this bacteria and reduce inflammation, significantly improving your overall health.
How Flossing Helps Prevent Serious Diseases
One of the main health risks associated with poor oral hygiene is the inflammation caused by gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). Gingivitis occurs when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—builds up on your teeth. If left untreated, this bacteria can enter the bloodstream, potentially causing inflammation in other areas of the body.
Research has found a connection between chronic inflammation from oral bacteria and a variety of serious diseases. These include heart disease, stroke, cancer, and even dementia. The bacteria from the mouth can travel to other parts of the body and contribute to chronic conditions that affect your arteries, heart, and brain.
The Link Between Oral Bacteria and Alzheimer’s Disease
Recent studies have highlighted an intriguing connection between oral bacteria and Alzheimer’s disease. While the exact mechanisms are still being explored, research has shown that people with Alzheimer’s have a higher likelihood of having harmful bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, in their brains. This bacteria is commonly associated with severe gum disease.
These bacteria produce toxins called gingipains, which have been detected in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. In laboratory studies, these toxins have been shown to destroy brain tissue, prompting the brain to produce amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. The long-term effects of chronic oral inflammation could contribute to brain damage, highlighting the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.
How Flossing Helps
When you floss your teeth, you remove food particles and bacteria from between your teeth and along the gum line, areas where toothbrushes can’t always reach. By using floss or interdental brushes regularly, you can help remove plaque and reduce the risk of gingivitis and other gum diseases. This simple step can prevent the bacteria from spreading to other parts of your body, ultimately reducing the risk of systemic health conditions like heart disease and dementia.
Flossing for All Ages: A Lifelong Habit
It’s never too early—or too late—to start flossing. Whether you're a child, a teenager, or an adult, flossing is essential for long-term oral and overall health. At Gentle Dental, we recommend making flossing part of your daily oral hygiene routine, along with regular brushing and professional dental cleanings. The benefits of flossing are clear, and maintaining a clean mouth is one of the simplest ways to protect your health.
Final Thoughts: Flossing is Essential for Your Health
At Gentle Dental, we want to stress how important flossing is not only for your oral health but for your overall well-being. Regularly cleaning between your teeth helps reduce the risk of gum disease and inflammation, which in turn can help prevent serious health conditions like dementia, stroke, and heart disease.
If you have any questions about flossing, oral hygiene, or your overall dental health, don’t hesitate to contact us at Gentle Dental, your trusted Salisbury dentist. We're here to help you maintain a healthy mouth—and a healthy body.