Participant & Resident Stories
Daily flossing linked to 32% lower Alzheimer's risk in over-65s
Participant & Resident Stories
Daily flossing linked to 32% lower Alzheimer's risk in over-65s
Participant & Resident StoriesOther
The Senior · 4 min read · 5 days ago
Original source
Summarised by Stellar
Key points5 points
- Regular flossing was independently associated with a lower risk of dementia, while brushing and dental visits were not.
- A 2025 study of 3,356 people over 65 found regular flossers were 32% less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.
- Three in four Australians rarely or never floss, according to 2024 ADA survey data.
- Flossing reaches 40% of tooth surfaces that brushing alone cannot access.
- Bleeding gums when starting to floss is often a sign of inflammation, not harm, but persistent bleeding warrants a dental visit.
Summary
New research links regular flossing to a significantly reduced risk of dementia, with one study showing a 32% lower chance of developing Alzheimer's disease among regular flossers. The findings highlight the importance of gum health as a predictor of overall wellbeing, yet most Australians neglect this simple habit. For disability and aged care providers, promoting daily flossing among participants and residents could be a low-cost, high-impact addition to wellness programs. The evidence is still emerging, but the potential benefits for long-term cognitive health make it a worthwhile focus.