DO you brush your teeth twice a day?
If so, you’re probably feeling pretty good about your oral health.
But if you’re skipping flossing – a habit that only three in 10 Brits stick to regularly – you might be setting yourself up for more than just yellow teeth.
It can lead to loose teeth and even more serious issues like dementia and Type 2 diabetes, scientists warn – conditions that can shorten your lifespan.
That’s because when you don’t floss, a sticky biofilm of bacteria, made up of food particles and saliva, builds up between teeth and along the gumline, explains Dr Lana Haj Yahya, a dentist from Tooth Club.
Brushing your teeth helps remove this substance from the outer surfaces, but not from the hard-to-reach areas between the teeth.
If left to grow, the bacteria can produce acids which cause gum disease, also known as gingivitis, which causes swollen, red, sore gums that may bleed.
But this inflammation doesn’t stop there – this dangerous acid can get into the bloodstream through the gums and spread throughout the rest of the body, including the heart, according to a new US study.
The research, presented at a conference last month, revealed that people who don’t floss actually have a higher risk of stroke compared to those who do.
“This is because your mouth is a gateway to the rest of the body, meaning poor oral hygiene can contribute to broader health risks,” Dr Lana tells Sun Health.
So, next time you brush, make sure to floss. Your future self and your dentist will thank you – and here’s why:
It can protect your brain
A University of Exeter study found that P. gingivalis – the bacteria behind gum disease – may also harm brain function.
Scientists tested saliva from 115 people over 50 and discovered that those with memory problems were more likely to have P. gingivalis.
Another harmful bacteria group, Prevotella, was also linked to poor brain health.
“Chronic gum disease has also been associated with conditions like Alzheimer’s, due to inflammation and bacterial spread from the mouth to the brain,” Dr Lana said.
“Flossing helps reduce this bacterial load, reducing inflammation and potentially protecting long-term brain health.”
Might reduce our risk of rheumatoid arthritis
Doctors know rheumatoid arthritis happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks joint lining.
Research now suggests gum disease may trigger flare-ups, making joints swollen, stiff, and painful.
A Rockefeller University study found that bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream, activating the immune system and worsening arthritis symptoms.
“Both gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis share an underlying issue: chronic inflammation,” Dr Lana added.
“The same bacteria that cause gum disease can trigger an immune response that exacerbates joint inflammation, worsening rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.”
How to floss properly
By Dentist Dr Kailesh Solanki from Detalphobia
The most common mistake most people make is stopping flossing when their gums bleed.
This can be a sign of gum disease and is actually an indication that you need to continue with regular flossing. The bleeding will stop after a few days.
On the flip side, ensure that you’re not flossing too roughly in a sawing action, and putting pressure on the gums.
Instead, gently slide the floss across the side, front and back of each tooth and under the gumline to dislodge food particles and plaque.
Use a clean section of floss for each tooth so you’re not simply moving debris around.
You only need to floss once daily, not each time you brush your teeth.
Doing it before bed means you have the time to spend on doing it properly, rather than in the morning when you’re rushing about.
There is still some debate about whether to floss before or after brushing teeth.
I would advise flossing first, so the fluoride in the toothpaste can then access and coat all areas of your teeth without being hindered by debris.
Make sure you have the right tools for the job.
Some people give up if they find the process too difficult, painful or ineffective.
This probably means that you either need to change your technique or your flossing tool.
Ask your dentist for their advice.
String floss is the most common type used and is effective in removing debris between evenly spaced teeth.
Brace wearers or those who have close or overlapping teeth may find it difficult to use however, in which case dental tape may prove easier.
Interdental brushes come in different sizes to match the spacing of your teeth.
These are especially useful if you have problems trying to hold floss or tape.
Dental picks hold dental floss in place but they may not be as effective in removing plaque as normal string floss or brushes, since they can’t be manoeuvred as effectively.
Water flossers have become extremely popular in recent years, although there is still some debate about their efficacy as the pressurised water flow is unable to curve around or in some cases, between the teeth.
It could lower your pancreatic cancer risk
Good oral health may lower the risk of pancreatic cancer, according to an New York University study.
Researchers analysed saliva from 720 people, half of whom later developed the disease.
Those with high levels of P. gingivalis had a 59 per cent higher risk.
Scientists believe the bacteria may trigger inflammation in the pancreas, leading to cancer, or serve as a warning sign of cancer-causing inflammation.
Slashes your type 2 diabetes risk
“Gum disease and Type 2 diabetes are closely linked,” Dr Lana says.
“That;’s because inflammation from periodontal disease can contribute to insulin resistance and poor blood sugar control,” she said.
Increased blood sugar levels increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
A study published last week by researchers at the University of Edinburgh appeared to confirm a suspected link between gum disease and diabetes.
They found that chemical change caused by inflammation in the mouth can reduce the effectiveness of insulin, making it more difficult for people with type 2 diabetes to control their blood sugar levels.
