
Your nightly brushing and flossing could protect your brain, neurologist says
A neurologist at Henry Ford Health says you should never skip brushing and flossing before bed because oral bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis, linked to gum disease, can travel to the brain and chronic inflammation may raise dementia risk; missing teeth are also associated with greater cognitive decline, potentially due to chewing difficulties and nutrition, with socioeconomic factors affecting dental care access; experts recommend brushing twice daily, flossing (water flossers are popular), and getting regular professional cleanings, plus gum disease treatment or dentures to help slow cognitive decline.













