Nighttime flossing may be linked to lower dementia risk

A podcast and recent reporting described research that associates regular flossing with a reduced risk of dementia, and dental experts discussed daily flossing and interdental brushes as ways to address gum inflammation and oral bacteria.

Recent reporting highlights a possible connection between a simple nightly oral care habit and dementia risk. In a podcast episode, epidemiologist Dr Tim Spector discussed studies that associate regular flossing with a lower risk of dementia. The coverage cites UK figures of about 982,000 people living with dementia and an estimate that one in three people will develop the condition in their lifetime. Researchers and dental professionals discussed links among gum inflammation, oral bacteria, periodontal disease and Alzheimer's disease. Key facts: - Dr Tim Spector said on a podcast that studies show flossing can reduce the risk of dementia by nearly half, as reported in the coverage. - Research has linked the oral bacteria that cause gum disease with the development of Alzheimer's, and a 2025 study reported more than double the Alzheimer's risk for people with gum disease and tooth loss. - Scientists described a hypothesis that inflammation in the gums can create conditions for microbes that may move from the mouth to other tissues and trigger inflammation in the brain, though mechanisms are not yet fully understood. - Dentist Dr Nayan Patel said only about 30% of UK adults floss regularly and described flossing as a daily practice; he noted interdental brushes can clean more surface area while string floss can access tight spots. - Patel also reported that bleeding when starting to floss is commonly due to existing gum inflammation and often decreases as inflammation settles. Summary: The reporting presents a potential association between regular flossing and reduced dementia risk and highlights research linking oral bacteria and gum disease to neurodegenerative conditions. Dental professionals noted low flossing rates and described different tools for interdental cleaning; further research and clarification of mechanisms are undetermined at this time.