DR AMIR KHAN SAYS 'INCREDIBLE' BATHROOM HABIT COULD SLASH DEMENTIA RISK

A doctor has revealed that an “incredible” but simple bathroom habit could lower your risk of dementia. This two-minute routine is not only good for your mouth but for your brain too.

In an episode of his podcast No Appointment Necessary, Doctor Amir Khan shared some tips for reducing your chances of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Among the tips given, Dr Amir - who is well known for his appearances on ITV, urged people to floss regularly.

His co-host Cherry Healey asked: “Does flossing prevent dementia and Alzheimer's, is it true?” In response, Dr Khan said: “It's true. It doesn’t prevent it, it reduces the risk.

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“It's incredible. So if you've got poor oral health and gum disease, bacteria can get in there and bacteria can go from your gums through your blood up into your brain.

“It can and that again triggers an immune response and chronic inflammation too.”

His advice is backed by a study published in PNAS Nexus earlier this year. This research found that brushing your teeth and flossing may not only help prevent cavities and gum disease but could also be linked to cognitive health.

Researchers discovered that specific mouth bacteria were linked to differing cognitive test scores. And people with a type of bacteria associated with gum disease were also more likely to suffer some form of cognitive impairment.

As part of the research, scientists from the University of Exeter, along with collaborators, studied the mouth bacteria of 120 older adults. Half of these participants had previously been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that can impact memory and cognitive abilities, potentially increasing the risk of dementia.

The remaining half were healthy people of similar age groups. The research revealed patterns in the bacterial communities present in the participants' mouths.

As reported by Study Finds, two types of bacteria, Neisseria and Haemophilus, were linked to better performance in memory and cognitive tests. Conversely, certain bacteria, particularly Prevotella, were associated with lower scores in these tests.

And a separate study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease in 2020, showed that older adults with signs of gum disease and mouth infections at baseline were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s during the study period.

To keep your mouth and teeth healthy, the NHS recommends you:

• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Floss between your teeth
• Cut down on sugar
• Eat well
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol
• Have regular dental checkups

If you notice any problems with your teeth, you should book an appointment with your dentist.

2025-12-12T13:01:03Z