Flossing, Memory, and My Dad: Why Oral Care Matters at Every Age
Flossing, Memory, and My Dad: Why Oral Care Matters at Every Age
Below is a picture of my dad at Dental Innovations with his medals.
I talk about flossing all day at my dental office. But lately, I’ve been thinking about it in a different way—at home.
I help care for my dad, who is living with dementia. He is a Vietnam veteran. He served as a medic, and he was exposed to Agent Orange during the war. Caring for someone with memory loss changes how you see the “small stuff.” It reminds you that small daily habits can be a big deal.
One of those habits is taking care of your mouth.
What caring for someone with dementia can look like
Dementia can make everyday tasks confusing. Brushing and flossing can feel like “too many steps.” Some days my dad does great. Other days he forgets. Sometimes he says he already brushed when he hasn’t. Sometimes he wants to brush, but his hands don’t cooperate.
If you are caring for a parent, spouse, or friend with memory loss, you may recognize this. You are not alone.
Agent Orange and dementia: a personal note
My dad’s story includes service, sacrifice, and a lot of courage. It also includes Agent Orange exposure.
In a large study using Veterans Health Administration records (more than 300,000 Vietnam-era veterans), veterans with documented Agent Orange exposure were more likely to receive a dementia diagnosis over time than veterans without that exposure. This kind of study shows a link—it does not prove what caused my dad’s dementia—but it matters, and it deserves attention.
Researchers are also studying how Agent Orange chemicals might affect the brain. For example, a 2024 lab study found that exposure to Agent Orange’s main chemical components damaged rat brain tissue in ways that looked similar to early Alzheimer-type changes. Animal studies can’t predict every human outcome, but they help scientists map possible pathways.
Why dentists are talking about the brain
You might be wondering: what does flossing have to do with dementia?
We don’t have proof that flossing prevents dementia. But we do have growing evidence that poor gum health is linked with a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Researchers are working hard to understand why.
Here are a few of the leading ideas (in plain language):
- Inflammation:
Gum disease is a long-term infection. It can raise inflammation in the body. Scientists are studying long-term inflammation as one possible piece of the dementia puzzle.
- Bacteria:
With gum disease, bacteria can enter the bloodstream more easily. In some studies, researchers have found signs of a common gum-disease bacterium (Porphyromonas gingivalis) and its enzymes in the brains of people who had Alzheimer’s disease. This doesn’t prove cause—but it is an important clue.
- A “two-way street”:
Dementia can make oral care harder, which can worsen gum disease. Some researchers think this may be part of why studies can look connected in both directions.
Quick facts that have stayed on my mind
1) Gum disease is common—and often quiet
In the United States, about 4 in 10 adults age 30 and older have periodontitis (the more serious form of gum disease). In adults age 65 and older, it’s closer to 6 in 10.
Early gum disease (gingivitis) can often be improved with daily brushing and flossing. More severe gum disease (periodontitis) can’t be “undone,” but it can be treated and managed with professional care and home habits.
2) Gum disease has been linked with memory problems
A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis found that periodontal disease was linked with higher risk of cognitive impairment and cognitive decline, and it was also linked with a higher risk of developing dementia over time. The authors also highlight an important caution: some of the link could be “reverse causality,” meaning dementia may lead to worse gum health rather than gum disease causing dementia.
3) Tooth loss has been linked with higher dementia risk
In one dose-response meta-analysis, more missing teeth was linked with higher risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. People with no natural teeth had a higher risk of being diagnosed with dementia than people with teeth.
4) Flossing is now being studied in relation to Alzheimer’s risk
A 2025 study of U.S. adults age 65+ found that people who reported flossing (and people who reported regular dental visits) had lower predicted 5-year Alzheimer’s disease risk scores. This study used a risk prediction score (not who actually developed Alzheimer’s), so it can’t prove prevention. Still, it supports the idea that daily oral care may be part of healthy aging.
So… should we all floss for our brains?
Here’s my honest answer: floss for your gums first.
Healthy gums mean less bleeding, less infection, and a better chance of keeping your teeth for life. And since gum disease is so common, flossing is one of the simplest steps you can take for your long-term health.
What I hope every patient hears from this
If you take one thing from my dad’s story, I hope it’s this:
Flossing is not “extra.” It’s part of basic health.
The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day and cleaning between your teeth once a day (with floss or another interdental cleaner).
The National Institute on Aging also recommends flossing (or cleaning between teeth) daily as part of gum-disease prevention.
If you’re caring for someone with dementia: 6 simple oral-care tips
If your loved one has memory loss, here are a few ideas that may help:
- Keep the routine the same time each day.
- Use short, simple cues: “Brush the front. Now the back.”
- Try easier tools: floss picks, floss holders, or a water flosser can help when hands are shaky. Waterpik to Purchase
- Brush together. Sometimes “mirroring” helps.
- Watch for signs of pain:
refusing to eat, pulling at the face, bad breath, or bleeding gums.
- Tell your dental team. We can plan shorter visits and talk about comfort options.
Progress beats perfection.
Closing thoughts
When I look at my dad’s medals, I think about everything he carried home from war—some seen, some unseen.
Caring for him has made me more patient, more grateful, and more focused on the basics. Brushing. Flossing. Showing up for checkups. These are small acts, but they add up.
If you have questions about flossing, gum disease, or supporting a loved one with dementia, please bring them to your next visit. We’re here to help.
Educational note: This post shares general health information and my personal experience. It is not medical advice. If you have concerns about memory loss or oral health, please talk with your healthcare team.
