Flossing daily can lower the risk of dementia primarily by maintaining good oral health, which helps reduce harmful bacteria and inflammation that may otherwise contribute to brain decline. When you floss, you remove plaque and food particles trapped between teeth that brushing alone can miss. This prevents gum disease, a chronic inflammatory condition caused by bacterial buildup around the gums. Gum disease has been linked to increased inflammation throughout the body, including the brain, which is a known factor in the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The connection between oral health and brain health lies in how bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, including the brain. These bacteria and the inflammation they cause can damage blood vessels and brain tissue, potentially accelerating cognitive decline. By flossing daily, you reduce the bacterial load in your mouth, lowering the chance of bacteria entering the bloodstream and triggering systemic inflammation. This systemic inflammation is believed to contribute to the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain that are characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.
Moreover, flossing helps prevent periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that creates deep pockets around teeth where bacteria thrive. These pockets are difficult to clean without flossing or professional dental care. Periodontitis is associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are damaging to brain cells. Controlling periodontal disease through regular flossing and dental hygiene can reduce these harmful processes, potentially slowing neurodegeneration.
In addition to reducing bacterial invasion and inflammation, flossing supports overall cardiovascular health by preventing gum disease-related artery damage. Healthy blood vessels are crucial for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the brain. When arteries become inflamed or narrowed due to chronic gum infections, brain health can suffer. Thus, flossing indirectly supports brain function by maintaining vascular health.
Daily flossing also contributes to a balanced oral microbiome—the community of bacteria living in your mouth. A healthy oral microbiome keeps harmful bacteria in check, reducing the risk of infections that could affect distant organs, including the brain. Disruptions in this microbiome have been linked to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
Finally, flossing is a simple, cost-effective habit that fits into a holistic approach to health. Alongside brushing, a balanced diet, exercise, and good sleep, flossing daily can be a practical preventive measure against dementia. While flossing alone cannot guarantee prevention, it is an important part of reducing risk factors associated with cognitive decline.
In essence, flossing daily lowers dementia risk by preventing gum disease and systemic inflammation, reducing harmful bacteria that can reach the brain, supporting vascular health, and maintaining a healthy oral microbiome—all of which contribute to protecting brain cells and cognitive function over time.
