Less plaque, fewer cavities and healthier gums may be the more obvious benefits of flossing your teeth — but did you know it could also lower your risk of heart disease?
"There are a lot of studies that have talked about — at least for periodontal disease — the connection between gum disease and heart health," said Sasha Ross, DMD, a periodontist for Cleveland Clinic.
Gum disease can cause high blood pressure and lead to inflammation and bacteria in the heart, research has shown, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
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"There’s really a very strong association between the two, where patients who have periodontal disease are at a much greater risk for having heart disease, stroke or other issues like that," Dr. Ross also told Fox News Digital.
Some 43% of adults 30 and older have some type of gum disease, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
For adults 65 and older, that number rises to 70%.
Some people are more susceptible to complications even if they brush and floss every day, while others can do the bare minimum but have no issues at all, Dr. Ross pointed out.
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Those who have heart valve disease are at a higher risk, according to Dr. Marietta Ambrose, assistant professor of clinical medicine at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine.
"The bacteria that live in your mouth when you have gum disease can cross into your bloodstream, enter the heart and directly infect the vulnerable heart valves," she said in a 2022 article on Penn Medicine’s website.
"That’s especially concerning in our patients who have artificial heart valves."
People should brush their teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day, either before or after brushing, says the American Dental Association (ADA).
Some signs of flossing negligence include bleeding or swollen gums, plaque buildup, cavities, loose teeth, bad breath and gum recession, Dr. Ross said.
"I think a lot of people are never taught how to properly floss and what kind of floss to use, so at one of these visits we can work with you and show you how to do it," she said.
"Then just make it part of your daily routine. I say it’s really good to floss once a day, ideally at night before you go to bed."
For those who are unsure about the proper way to floss, Dr. Ross recommends using a water pick or special brushes designed to clean between the teeth.
For best results, here are specific flossing instructions, as shared by Healthline.
Break off around 18 to 24 inches of floss.
Wrap it around both middle fingers and hold the floss taut.
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Glide the floss up and down between each tooth.
Avoid pulling the floss up into the gums, as this can cause bruising or injury.
As the floss reaches the gums, curve it slightly to allow it to clean the space between the gums and the tooth.
For each tooth, use a new, clean section of floss.
In addition to regular brushing and flossing, visit a dentist regularly and limit sugary foods and drinks to protect dental health, the ADA recommends.
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