The season of pie, peppermint and holiday cookies is almost here. It is a sweet time of year in every sense, and that makes it a good moment to give some thought to a part of our health we often take for granted, our teeth and gums.
Caring for your mouth is not just about a bright smile. Health experts increasingly describe oral health and overall health as closely connected. The good news is that the habits that protect them are simple, cheap and easy to share as a family.
Why the mouth matters more than we think
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that oral health and general health affect each other in both directions. It also shares two sobering numbers. More than 40% of adults report having had pain in their mouth in the past year, and more than 80% of people have had at least one cavity by age 34.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), part of the National Institutes of Health, the main troublemaker is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth. Left alone, plaque can harden into tartar, which only a dentist or hygienist can remove. Plaque also irritates the gums, leading to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. Its signs include red, swollen gums that bleed easily. The encouraging part is that gingivitis is usually reversible with daily brushing and flossing. Untreated, it can progress to more serious gum disease and even tooth loss.
A new reason to reach for the floss
Flossing is the habit many of us skip. A study presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference in early 2025 offers food for thought. Researchers looked at more than 6,000 adults in a long-running U.S. study, following them for about 25 years. People who said they flossed regularly had a 22% lower risk of stroke caused by a blood clot and a 12% lower risk of atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm, than people who did not floss. These links held up even after accounting for brushing and dental visits.
It is important to keep this in perspective. The American Heart Association describes these as preliminary findings from a research abstract, not yet published as a full peer-reviewed paper. Flossing habits were self-reported, and the study shows an association, not proof that flossing prevents strokes. Still, it adds to a growing interest in how a healthy mouth may support a healthy body, and flossing is already recommended for good dental reasons.
The everyday basics
The CDC and NIDCR agree on a short list of habits that protect most families.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. NIDCR suggests angling the bristles toward the gumline and using gentle, small circular motions rather than hard scrubbing. Brush all sides of each tooth, and your tongue too.
- Clean between your teeth once a day. If regular floss is hard to handle, NIDCR lists other options, such as floss holders, water flossers, interdental brushes and soft picks.
- Replace worn toothbrushes. Once the bristles look frayed, it is time for a new one.
- Go easy on added sugar. The CDC recommends limiting sugary foods and drinks. During the holidays, enjoying treats with a meal rather than nibbling all day gives teeth a break.
- See a dentist regularly. The CDC advises a dental visit at least once a year, even for people with dentures, since dentists also check for problems like oral cancer.
- Avoid tobacco. Smoking raises the risk of gum disease and mouth cancers.
Making it a family habit
Children learn by watching. Try brushing at the same time as your kids in the evening and turn it into a cheerful routine with a favorite song. For grandparents and older relatives, the CDC suggests asking a dentist about tools that make brushing and flossing easier, and cleaning dentures daily. Caregivers can gently help when hands are not as steady as they once were.
A good gift idea for this season? Fun new toothbrushes in the stockings. It is small, practical and a cheerful reminder.
Caring for the whole person
Scripture reminds us that God cares about every part of us, body and soul together.
“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
— 3 John 1:2 (KJV)
Taking a few minutes morning and night to care for our teeth is a small act of stewardship over the bodies we have been given. It is a quiet way of saying thank you for the gift of health, and a habit that can serve us for a lifetime.
This article is for general information only. If you notice bleeding gums, tooth pain, sores that do not heal or sudden changes in taste, please check with your dentist or doctor, who can give advice for your personal health needs.
What little trick has helped your family stick with brushing and flossing every day?
Sources: CDC, “Oral Health Tips for Adults” (reviewed May 15, 2024); National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, “Oral Hygiene” (reviewed Dec 2024); American Heart Association Newsroom, “Regular dental flossing may lower risk of stroke from blood clots, irregular heartbeats” (Jan 30, 2025); KJV 3 John 1:2
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