My wife is a dental hygienist, so I frequently hear about the benefits of brushing and flossing. She’s been known to brush several times a day and can occasionally be seen flossing throughout the day when she thinks no one is watching.
As you might guess, we never miss a scheduled dental appointment, either.
Never.
Beyond a glowing smile, brushing and flossing have other health benefits, scientists have discovered. Researchers have found that periodontal disease increases the risk of dementia sixfold based on observing a group of otherwise active and healthy nuns.
Other surveys and research data have found a similar, strong connection between poor oral health and various forms of dsimilar including Alzheimer’s disease. Poor oral health is also associated with other illnesses in older people, including heart disease and respiratory infections.
Now, new evidence reported in Science Advances concludes that a major cause of Alzheimer’s disease is bacteria commonly associated with advanced gum disease. This so-called “thug bug” is called P. gingivalis because it is the same bacteria that causes gingivitis and other periodontal diseases.
Our mouths not only have a microbiome system similar to the microbiome in our gut (a major determinant of our overall health), but our mouth microbiome works closely with our gut microbiome to bolster our overall immune system.
Scientists are still working out the connection between mind and mouth, but it appears the primary culprits that cause dementia and Alzheimer’s have a lot to do with these types of “bad bacteria” that cause inflammation in our gums and our brains.
Our mouths are home to over 700 types of bacteria and more than 7 billion bioparticles — some good, some bad. I don’t know who’s been counting them, but they are pretty sure there’s at least that many in our mouths. The number may even be higher depending on when you last kissed a grandchild who just came home from preschool.
By the way, periodontal disease is inflammation of the gums caused principally by poor brushing and flossing habits along with stress, tobacco use, diabetes and genetics as other possible contributing factors. Brushing and flossing are equally important in preventing periodontal disease, dentists and dental hygienists say (including my wife). Yet, despite the effectiveness of these simple practices, the Centers for Disease Control reports that as many as two thirds of adults in America age 60 or older have some form of periodontwo-thirds disease.
Even if you are diligent in caring for your teeth, you may be taking gum health for granted. Beyond brushing the surface of your teeth, flossing and brushing at the gum line are essential to avoid tooth and bone loss. The characterization of older people as “long in the tooth” reflects the common receding of gums as we age as well as a heightened rate of gum disease.
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease. It is caused by the build up of tartar or plaque at the gum line. It is characterized by red obuildup ofs and often by bleeding. It is both preventable and reversible with daily brushing at the gum line, consistent flossing, and professional dental care.
While manual toothbrushes can beflossinge, studies done by Consumer Reports and others have shown that electric toothbrushes remove as much as 20% more plaque than manual toothbrushes. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that ionic (electric, non-vibrating) toothbrushes were particularly effective in reducing plaque and minimizing gingivitis.
An ionic toothbrush’s key feature is its ability to reverse the negative charge on tooth surfaces to a positive charge, which repels positively charged plaque and bacteria, making it easier to remove. The toothbrush generates positive ions to achieve this effect, which also helps to neutralize plaque-producing acids and remove positively charged stains from teeth.
In addition to brushing, flossing is important in preventing gum disease. The “thug bugs” that cause gum disease hide in periodontal pockets in your mouth and build up plaque. Flossing prevents the buildup of that “bad bacteria” as plaque that creates inflammation in your gums. This plaque gets removed through flossing–which simultaneously stimulates the blood vessels in your gums.
It’s like getting a massage in your mouth. Who doesn’t want that?
Despite the catch phrase “floss is boss,” most people don’t do it. The American Dental Association (ADA) estimates less than a third of Americans over age 60 floss regularly. Consequently, the ADA and medical groups like the Mayo Clinic have recently encouraged other methods for removing plaque and getting rid of those pesky bits of food that get stuck in periodontal pockets. Dental picks, interdental brushes (my new favorite), and water flossers have all been found to be as effective as traditional floss in removing plaque.
Of course, proper nutrition makes a big difference in oral health as well. Sugary drinks and juices that are allowed to stay in your mouth for long periods not only can do real damage to your teeth but also change the pH balance in your mouth causing what is called a “flora imbalance.”
This imbalance can cause bad breath, gum disease and other health risks when out of whack. Even seemingly healthy juices can disrupt this balance if consumed frequently or left to pool overnight in your mouth.
So, what if you really want a Coke or a Diet Dr. Pepper or crave orange juice or fruit punch? After drinking it, swish. While water is still the best source of hydration, if you need that caffeine kick, rinse your mouth after drinking a soda or juice. It will help restore the flora balance of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and the rest of the community of microorganisms that hang out in your mouth. And let’s be real: Nobody really wants an “imbalance in the force” either in your mouth or in the universe.
While there is much that is still unknown about the causes of dementia and Alzheimer’s, it may be that one of the best things we can do to help prevent either of them is within our control and only takes a couple of minutes every day. Brush and floss (or use an alternative method) consistently. It is less strenuous than strength training or interval walking (which are also important) and just might be critical in maintaining brain health.