{"id":219352,"date":"2025-06-27T19:09:20","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T19:09:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/219352\/"},"modified":"2025-06-27T19:09:20","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T19:09:20","slug":"how-plaque-and-gum-disease-can-lead-to-dementia-as-doctors-unveil-startling-research-experts-reveal-ultimate-guide-to-the-brushes-floss-and-toothpaste-that-really-work-to-keep-you-healthy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/219352\/","title":{"rendered":"How plaque and gum disease can lead to dementia: As doctors unveil startling research, experts reveal ultimate guide to the brushes, floss and toothpaste that really work to keep you healthy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more<\/a><\/p>\n

If eyes are the window to the soul, then the mouth is a portal to the mind, according to the British Dental Association. \u2018There\u2019s emerging evidence that poor oral health \u2013 plaque formation, gum disease and tooth loss \u2013 is a risk factor for dementia, including Alzheimer\u2019s disease,\u2019 says Eddie Crouch, the association\u2019s chair.<\/p>\n

A slew of recent research suggests that what happens in your mouth can have wider health implications. Several large studies have discovered links between periodontitis (that\u2019s chronic gum disease to you and me) and an increased risk of cognitive decline.<\/p>\n

Scientists have even found traces of a key gum-disease bacterium in the brains of Alzheimer\u2019s patients.<\/p>\n

\u2018We know that bacteria involved in gum disease can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gum tissue and travel to the brain,\u2019 says president of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr Sam Jethwa. This means that to help stave off dementia, one line of defence is good oral health.<\/p>\n

According to the British Society of Periodontology, over 45 per cent of adults in the UK are affected by gum disease \u2013 so it\u2019s clear that, for many of us, a full dental routine has slipped to the bottom of the to-do list. The good news? There are three simple pillars to preventing gum disease: brushing, interdental flossing and fluoride.<\/p>\n

\"Want <\/p>\n

Want to fight off dementia? Look after your teeth<\/p>\n

BRUSH BETTER<\/p>\n

Cleaning all surfaces of the tooth (including the inner part of your bite) and your gumline is vital. You can go with a manual or electric toothbrush \u2013 our favourites for both are below \u2013 although the latter is more effective for removing food particles and plaque.<\/p>\n

Philips Sonicare 5300 (now \u00a350, was \u00a3169.99, argos.com)\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Removes up to seven\u00a0times more plaque than manual brushing, with two power settings and a sensor that alerts you to excessive pressure, so you don\u2019t damage your gums.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/a> <\/p>\n

Suri Sustainable <\/a>Electric Toothbrush <\/a><\/a>(below, \u00a375, trysuri.com)<\/a><\/p>\n

This brush\u2019s aluminium body can be recycled and its heads are plant-based\u00a0\u2013 Suri will even recycle them for you. The travel case has a UV light to kill bacteria, and it comes with a chic magnetic wall\/mirror mount so you don\u2019t get toothpaste build-up on the base of your brush.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/a> <\/p>\n

Spotlight Oral Care Bamboo Toothbrush (\u00a33.95, uk.spotlightoralcare.com)\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

This manual brush is plastic-free, 100 per cent recyclable and naturally antibacterial \u2013 what\u2019s not to love?<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/a> FACTOR IN FLOSSING\u00a0<\/p>\n

As toothbrushes can only clean 60 per cent of the tooth\u2019s surface, Dr Wyman Chan, a dentist for 40 years, says: \u2018Skipping interdental cleaning is like only washing the front of your body in the shower. You might feel fresher, but you\u2019re leaving a lot behind.\u2019 Floss or interdental brushes will remove plaque that can inflame gums and lead to bone loss. This is a key step in reducing the risk of chronic gum disease. The consensus is that while mouthwash might help dislodge food and coat teeth with strengthening fluoride, it does not replace flossing.<\/p>\n

Ordo Hydro Sonic Water Flosser (below, \u00a359.99, ordolife.com)\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Water flossers can remove more bacteria and plaque from between teeth than a manual brush, and are far gentler. This\u00a0one has 260ml water capacity, which is the largest on the market for a handheld flosser. Be warned, it takes practice.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/a> <\/p>\n

Grin Smooth Flosspyks (\u00a33 for 36, boots.com)<\/a>\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

If the faff\u00a0of flossing puts you off, these nifty individual picks have handles so they can be used one-handed, and they\u2019re angled for ease. There\u2019s a different shape available if you struggle to reach your molars at the back.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/a> <\/p>\n

TePe EasyPick (\u00a34.15 for 36, ocado.com)\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Sold in sizes from XS to XL, EasyPicks have a conical shape that fits between crowded teeth, with silicone ridges to sweep away debris without being harsh.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/a> FOCUS ON FLUORIDE<\/p>\n

Decades of scientific evidence cite fluoride as the most important element of any toothpaste, preventing decay and helping remineralise enamel. A number of formulas, from \u2018natural\u2019 to luxury, are fluoride-free, but toothpaste needs it \u2013 a minimum of 1,350 ppm (parts per million), to be precise \u2013 to be effective, and more expensive doesn\u2019t necessarily equal superior. Check the packaging.<\/p>\n

Colgate Max White Ultra Toothpaste (now \u00a35 ,was \u00a310, boots.com)<\/a><\/p>\n

The most effective stain remover I\u2019ve tried \u2013 I bulk-buy it when it\u2019s on offer. It\u2019s powerful, yet not enough to aggravate sensitivities or worn-down enamel.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/a> <\/p>\n

Waken Enamel Care Toothpaste (below, \u00a34.50, wakencare.com)\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

This is free of artificial colours, alcohol and sodium lauryl sulfate (added to help products foam up). The recyclable tube is made from at least 30 per cent recycled plastic.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/a> <\/p>\n

Corsodyl Active Gum Repair (\u00a36, Sainsbury\u2019s)\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Aimed at preventing early gum disease, this helps repair inflamed and bleeding gums within one week.<\/p>\n

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