The Mouth-Body Connection: How Oral Health Can Affect Your Brain and Heart
The Mouth-Body Connection: How Oral Health Can Affect Your Brain and Heart
Author: Team Grove
You already know brushing and flossing help prevent cavities and bad breath. But what if we told you your daily oral hygiene routine could be a contributor to heart disease and even Alzheimer’s?
Emerging science shows that the health of your gums is closely tied to the health of your brain and cardiovascular system. It turns out, your mouth might be a powerful gateway to whole-body wellness and the habits you build now could shape your long-term health in ways you might not expect.
Gum health and the brain: what the research shows
Studies have found that Porphyromonas gingivalis — a bacteria commonly associated with gum disease — has been detected in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.¹ These bacteria produce toxins called gingipains, which may trigger inflammation in the brain and contribute to the formation of beta-amyloid plaques, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease.
It’s not just theory. A large study from the National Institute on Aging confirmed that older adults with gum disease were more likely to develop dementia, including Alzheimer’s.²
This means that keeping your gums healthy might just be a brain-boosting habit. Daily flossing could be one of the easiest, most overlooked forms of preventive brain care.
The heart-mouth connection
It’s not just your brain that benefits from good gum health — your heart does, too.
Chronic gum disease causes inflammation that doesn’t stay confined to your mouth. That inflammation can allow bacteria to enter your bloodstream, where it may contribute to plaque buildup in arteries and raise your risk of heart disease and stroke.³
While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, people with periodontal disease consistently show a higher risk of cardiovascular problems. If your goal is to protect your heart, your toothbrush and floss might be more powerful tools than you think.
5 simple steps for a healthier mouth
Good news: protecting your heart and brain can start with your next brush and floss.
Here’s how to get started:
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush
Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles where your brush can’t reach
Visit a dentist at least twice a year for cleanings and early intervention
Avoid certain foods and drinks like candy and soda that are high in sugar and acidic, or snacks like popcorn which can get stuck between your teeth and gums
Eat a nutrient-rich, low-sugar diet to support healthy gums
Avoid tobacco, which increases the risk of gum disease, oral cancer, and heart disease
If you’re trying to align your oral care routine with your sustainable values, here are some ways you can keep your smile and the planet healthy:
Choose sustainable toothbrush and floss options like bamboo toothbrushes, made from Certified Compostable materials or oral care products with refillable containers
Double check ingredients: Avoid ingredients like sulfates (SLS), parabens, synthetic dyes, and triclosan
Opt for refillable or low-waste packaging to reduce plastic waste while keeping your smile healthy, such as toothpaste tablets
Small habits make a big impact
Your mouth is a powerful indicator of what’s happening in your body. Science is showing that what’s good for your gums is also good for your heart and brain.
So the next time you pick up your toothbrush or reach for your floss, remember: you're supporting long-term health for your whole body.
Sources
1 Beydoun, M. A., Beydoun, H. A., Hossain, S., El-Hajj, Z. W., Weiss, J., & Zonderman, A. B. (2020). Clinical and bacterial markers of periodontitis and their association with incident all-cause and Alzheimer's disease dementia in a large national survey. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 75(1), 157–172. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11008556/
2 National Institute on Aging. (2021, July 29). Large study links gum disease with dementia. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/large-study-links-gum-disease-dementia
3 Miller, K. (2015, December 14). Periodontal disease and heart health. WebMD. Medically reviewed by Beckerman, J., MD, FACC. https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/features/periodontal-disease-heart-health
