There are lots of claims floating around on the internet that flossing can increase your life expectancy by upto 6/7 years. So is this true? Does flossing increase your life expectancy? We put the question to our team of dentists…

Flossing daily can extend indeed life expectancy, though we wouldn’t like to put a figure on how much it can increase life expectancy by. Flossing is a simple oral hygiene habit that has a profound impact on overall health and lifespan. Daily flossing can remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles from the mouth, which can help prevent a variety of oral and systemic health problems. Here are a few ways flossing can increase your life expectancy:

Prevents gum disease

Flossing removes plaque and bacteria from the gum line, reducing the risk of gum disease, a leading cause of tooth loss. Gum disease has been linked to a variety of systemic health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, all of which can shorten lifespan.

Reduces inflammation

Inflammation is a major contributor to many health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Flossing helps reduce inflammation in the mouth by removing plaque and bacteria, which can trigger an immune response.

Improves oral health

Flossing helps maintain good oral health by removing plaque and bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease. When oral health is maintained, the risk of oral infections, such as abscesses and oral cancer, is reduced.

Increases blood flow

Flossing stimulates blood flow in the gums, which provides essential nutrients and oxygen to the tissues in the mouth. Good blood flow is important for overall health and longevity, and flossing can help maintain it.

Improves heart health

The bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and contribute to heart disease. Flossing helps reduce the risk of heart disease by removing bacteria from the mouth before it can enter the bloodstream.

Enhances longevity

By reducing the risk of gum disease, heart disease, and other health problems, flossing can help increase lifespan. Additionally, good oral health is associated with overall health and longevity, and flossing is a simple, effective way to maintain it.

In conclusion, flossing is a simple habit with a big impact on overall health and lifespan. By removing plaque and bacteria, reducing inflammation, improving oral health, increasing blood flow, and enhancing heart health, flossing can help increase lifespan and improve overall quality of life.

J&B Dental Group is a mixed NHS and private practice with surgeries throughout the North East of England. For more information about how we can help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.