Number 31 on the LongevityPlaybook.com's list of ways to keep your brain young is flossing. That's because it's important for the management of your oral microbiome, and helps prevent gum disease that can contribute to the development of everything from sexual dysfunction to dementia.

Yet 35% of Americans don't see their dental pros even once a year to catch oral cancers, diabetes, osteoporosis, GERD, and anemia. That's right, regular check-ups can reveal a lot about your potential to live longer disability free.

Now a study published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation has found that periodontal (gum) disease leads to changes in your brain's microglial cells — white blood cells that defend the brain from amyloid plaque that is associated with cognitive decline.

When a person has gum disease, those microglial cells stop being able to digest amyloid plaque. That leads to neuro-inflammation in the brain, just like an imbalance of gut bacteria causes body-wide inflammation, leading to diabetes and colon cancer.

Almost half of Americans 30 and older have periodontal disease, according to the Centers for Disease and Prevention. No wonder the number of Americans with Alzheimer's is predicted to more than double by 2050.

Help protect yourself today from that difficult tomorrow. Brush twice daily, and use floss and a Waterpik or equivalent (they really work).

Avoid foods that disrupt your oral biome, such as added sugars, refined carbs, and red meats. Instead, enjoy plant-based foods that promote oral health.

That will protect your teeth, your brain — and your smile.