The Silent Saboteur in Your Mouth: Why Flossing Could Save Your Heart and Brain
By Bryce Wylde, Functional Medicine Expert
When it comes to health, most of us think about our heart, our brain, our diet, and our exercise routines. We invest time and energy into workouts, stress management, and eating well. But there’s one small act of self-care that many Canadians are neglecting—one that could be silently sabotaging your health: flossing.
According to a recent Leger survey, only 37% of Canadians floss daily. That means nearly two-thirds of us are leaving food particles and bacteria to thrive between our teeth and gums. And while that might seem like a minor oversight, I’m here to tell you it’s far more consequential than most people realize.
Leaky Mouth: The Gateway to Disease
We’ve all heard of leaky gut—the idea that a compromised gut lining can allow harmful particles into the bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation. But what if I told you the same concept exists in your mouth?
I call it Leaky Mouth—a condition where the barrier between your gums and your bloodstream is compromised. When you don’t floss, you allow microscopic food particles and bad bacteria to fester. Over time, these bacteria can inflame your gums, creating tiny breaches. And just like with leaky gut, harmful pathogens can slip through the cracks, entering your bloodstream and triggering systemic inflammation.
Where does that blood go? It circulates through your arteries, reaches your heart, and even crosses into your brain.
Research shows that poor gum health can increase your risk of cardiovascular death by 4.3 times and elevate the risk of cognitive decline by 23% and dementia by 21%. It’s not just about cavities—it’s about your heart and your mind.
Why Bleeding Gums Are More Than Just an Inconvenience
Bleeding gums are often dismissed as “normal.” But the truth is, bleeding is a red flag—your body is trying to tell you something. It’s an open wound, a gateway for bacteria to enter your bloodstream.
What’s worse? Even if your gums aren’t bleeding, you might still be at risk. Microscopic breaches in the gum lining allow bacteria to slip into your circulation. These stealthy invaders then make their way to your heart and brain, causing inflammation that can lead to heart disease and cognitive decline.
Think about that the next time you brush your teeth. That little bit of blood isn’t harmless—it’s a sign of vulnerability.
Flossing as “Daily Immunity Training”
I often tell my patients that flossing isn’t just a matter of keeping your teeth clean. It’s daily immunity training. Every time you floss, you’re sweeping away bacteria that, if left unchecked, could trigger systemic inflammation.
It’s not just a chore; it’s an act of self-care that supports your heart and brain.
In fact, it’s one of the easiest things you can do to delay the day you die.
The Standard North American Diet Is Making It Worse
Here’s the kicker: our diet isn’t doing us any favors. The Standard American Diet (SAD)—high in sugars and refined carbohydrates—feeds harmful bacteria in your mouth. When you consume sugary or starchy foods, it lowers the pH in your mouth, creating a breeding ground for bad bacteria. This accelerates plaque formation and gum inflammation, which only widens the gateway for bacteria to enter your bloodstream.
That’s why it’s no surprise that only 16% of 18 to 24-year-olds floss regularly. We’ve got a generation that’s whitening their teeth for TikTok but skipping the basics of oral health. And the long-term costs of that neglect are going to be staggering.
Floss Twice a Day—It’s Not Just About Clean Teeth
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: GUM care is self-care. Flossing isn’t just a mechanical act of removing food; it’s a way to stop inflammation in its tracks. I recommend flossing twice a day—morning and evening. If you find it inconvenient, try keeping flossers next to your couch. I personally floss while watching Netflix.
(Admittedly, my wife—who is a dentist—might have something to do with my diligence!)
How to Turn Flossing Into a Ritual
Flossing doesn’t have to be a chore. If you make it part of your nightly wind-down routine, it can actually feel therapeutic. Slow down, use it as a moment of mindfulness. Think of it as massaging your gums, not just scraping between your teeth.
Consider it a 60-second ritual for longevity—one that protects your brain, your heart, and your entire body from silent, chronic inflammation.
The Bottom Line: Take Control of Your Health One Floss at a Time
Flossing may not be flashy. It doesn’t come with a wearable, an app, or a shiny new gadget. But it’s one of the simplest, most powerful things you can do for your health.
If you want to delay the day you die, start at the source. Start at your gumline.