Cleaning between the teeth affects more than oral health and may even affect the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, kidney disease and more.Flossing is an essential component of oral hygiene, offering benefits that extend beyond clean teeth. Consistent flossing habits may contribute to a reduced risk of various diseases, including heart disease — the leading cause of death in Alabama.
Mia L. Geisinger, DDS, professor in the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, explains how flossing can impact overall health.
Health beyond teeth
Interdental cleaning, including flossing, is a fundamental part of maintaining good oral health and it can improve both quality of life and life expectancy.
“Oral health is integral to overall well-being,” Geisinger said. “In fact, individuals who floss daily live on average nearly six and a half years longer than those who do not floss every day.”
Brushing removes only 40 percent to 60 percent of plaque, but cleaning between teeth helps eliminate more. When plaque builds up, the risk of tooth decay and periodontal disease can increase. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is characterized by local and systemic inflammation of the tissues that support teeth.
“People who regularly floss demonstrate lower levels of gingival (gum) bleeding and inflammation,” said Geisinger, who is the acting chair of the Department of Periodontology.
Diseases linked to oral health issues include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, cancer and some forms of dementia. Understanding factors that can initiate or worsen cardiovascular health can help with prevention.
Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease can develop from many different factors. A lack of flossing may be a contributor to heart disease development or progression.
“Flossing regularly is associated with a reduced risk of stroke, major cardiovascular events and irregular heart rhythms,” Geisinger said.
Gum tissue that is often irritated by poor oral hygiene can increase the chance of bacteria spreading through blood vessels. The body responds by releasing chemical messengers to fight these bacteria, which can lead to inflammation throughout the body.
“Gum disease can lead to higher levels of inflammatory markers and compound damage within tissues throughout the body,” she said. “This includes the arteries and the heart.”
Brain health
Poor flossing habits are not a direct cause of dementia; but Geisinger explains that poor oral health, particularly periodontal disease, can increase the chance of developing dementias.
As dementia develops, the protective layer around the brain, called the blood-brain barrier, becomes permeable. This could increase the chance of bacteria, bacterial byproducts and inflammatory markers entering the brain.
“Specific bacteria found in advanced periodontal disease, for example Porphyromonas gingivalis, have been associated with worsening cognitive function and dementias,” Geisinger said.
Healthy practices
The earliest forms of gum disease can present without any symptoms. Geisinger says it is important to schedule a comprehensive periodontal examination every year to diagnose gum disease at the earliest stages. In addition, creating flossing reminder methods can help promote oral health.
“Using visual reminders, like placing your interdental cleaners on your bathroom counter with your toothbrush, or using electronic reminders can be helpful,” Geisinger said. “On average, it can take two to three months to form a new habit, and regular interdental cleaning is key to maintaining periodontal health.”
Interdental brushes are the most effective flossing tools, but some people do not have enough space between their teeth to use them.
“Patients should ask their dental health care professional about the best routine for them,” said Geisinger. “They can help identify the best tools to keep your smile and whole body as healthy as possible.”
To learn more about gum disease and treatment options, visit the UAB Periodontology Clinic.