Looks like this guy got the memo!

A recent report from CNN and the National Institute on Aging states that good oral health habits like brushing and flossing may prevent cognitive impairment and dementia.

Now if that doesn't motivate you to ramp up your dental hygiene, this might...

Turns out that the mouth is home to about 700 species of bacteria, including those that can cause gum disease.

It's this bacteria that's associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias...especially vascular dementia.

Poor dental hygiene has also been linked to cardiovascular disease, pancreatic cancer, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Yikes!

If you're not already reaching for your dental floss, read on...

So how does this happen?

When flossing, brushing, and regular dental checkups aren't a priority, the oral tissues that hold your teeth in place can become infected, leading to gum disease.

While bleeding gums, loose teeth, and tooth loss are the main effects of gum disease, the bacteria can travel from infections in the mouth...through the bloodstream...and to the brain.

Now that's a sobering message...which we'll follow with a piece a great news!

You can prevent gum disease with daily tooth brushing, flossing, and routine visits to the dentist.

So, if you haven't already...

1. Make a date with your dentist every 6 months.

Dentists not only solve problems...they can prevent them.

2. Stock up on dental floss...and use it every day.

As our family dentist used to say..."You don't have to floss all your teeth...just the ones you want to keep."

3. Brush your teeth at least twice a day...morning and night.

Healthy gums create beautiful smiles. As Mother Theresa once said..."Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing."

Prevention is the name of the game...taking care of your teeth is taking care of your brain.