A study published in the Journal of Periodontology in 2019 found that only about 32 percent of adults 30 and older floss daily, with tobacco users having lower odds of daily flossing. Not only does not flossing put you at a higher risk for oral health conditions like gum disease but omitting this simple act from your daily routine has also been shown to increase risk of developing other medical conditions due to bacteria accumulating in the mouth. Read on to learn what the research says about the connection between flossing and overall health and the best way to take care of your smile and your body.
The Connection Between Oral Bacteria & Medical Conditions
People often think of the mouth as a separate compartment of their body disconnected from other parts, like their respiratory and cardiovascular system. However, researchers have determined that the same oral bacteria that accumulate in the mouth and lead to gum disease and decay can also lead to an increased risk of medical conditions like Alzheimer’s, heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, and more.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky have also conducted a study on adults between 75 and 90 years old where they asked them to recall 10 words presented five minute earlier. Their findings were that the participants with fewer teeth scored lower than those with more teeth. This could be key information that furthers the claims of other research finding the connection between oral health problems like gum disease and Alzheimer’s.
Why is Flossing So Important?
There’s a reason why your dentist is always hounding you about flossing every day, and it’s because the American Dental Association has determined that it’s a key way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. When food debris and bacteria build up in the mouth, especially between teeth that are crowded, it can lead to gum disease, which is an infection that can quickly progress when left unchecked. Over time, these bacteria can spread throughout the body by traveling through the bloodstream. By flossing once a day alongside brushing twice daily, you can drastically minimize the number of bacteria within the mouth, reducing your risk of developing associated medical conditions.
Other Ways to Look After Your Smile & Wellbeing
In light of all of the recent research amplifying the importance of taking care of your smile, here are some additional tips for reducing bacteria accumulation within the mouth:
- Brush for at least two minutes twice a day
- Rinse with a mouthwash that doesn’t have alcohol in it
- Visit your dentist once every six months for a checkup and cleaning
When you take the extra few minutes to incorporate flossing into your daily routine, not only will your smile thank you, but the rest of your body will, too!
About the Practice
At Bell Road Dental Care, our team is comprised of three dedicated, caring dentists with collective decades of experience under their belts. They focus on providing thorough preventive dental care to stop small oral health problems in their tracks before they can cause any harm to the rest of the smile or body. Whether you’re in need of a checkup and cleaning or you want to learn how to protect your teeth from nightly grinding, our team can help. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 602-404-3483.