Researchers find that brushing and flossing your teeth can prevent dementia

We always take our oral health for granted.  Flossing is the next step, but brushing our teeth twice a day is also a task for us. But what if we tell you that keeping good oral hygiene is linked to your mental well-being? Will that be a good enough reason for you? No friends, we’re not kidding because scientists have found out that if you floss regularly, you can prevent cognitive decline.

Surprised?

The most common cognitive issue that you might face in your old age is dementia, in which you are at the risk of identifying your loved ones. All this happens because of the degrowth of our brain cells. This process starts way earlier for those who take their dental health for granted. That’s why, we want you to pay heed to it.

Here’s how researchers link oral health with cognitive well-being

Researchers at the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing found out that adults with more tooth loss had a 1.48 times higher risk of cognitive impairment, and 1.28 times higher risk of dementia. 

Poor oral health means tooth decay and loss of tooth, which makes it impossible for a person to chew the food properly and extract all the nutrients. No nutrients in the body means no food for the brain as well, which further leads to cognitive decline.

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The analysis also highlighted evidence that oral inflammation is connected to brain inflammation and cognitive impairment.

So, you see how a small habit can make such a huge difference to your life.

Here are some tips to keep your oral health in check

1. Brush your teeth twice a day. Ensure that you brush after having breakfast and then post-dinner.
2. Gargle within 15 minutes of eating something.
3. If you ate something sweet, brushing your teeth is mandatory.
4. Don’t use a brush with very hard bristles.
5. Cleaning your tongue is also very important.
6. Include flossing as it can help in removing every food particle stuck between your teeth.

Learn the right way to floss your teeth

• First of all, break a long string of floss of about 18 inches. Wrap most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. You can use this extra floss, when the one you are using gets dirty.
• Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
• Gently, guide the floss between your teeth, using a rubbing motion. Avoid touching it close to your gums.
• Curve it into a C-shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gums and the tooth.
• Now, hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.
• Repeat this motion with all your teeth.

So ladies, ensure you keep a check on your oral hygiene to stay protected from cognitive problems like dementia.