April was Oral Health Month, and despite what you might think, the benefits of brushing and flossing go beyond your set of pearly whites.
The mouth is more than just teeth and gums — it’s a gateway to the entire body. The soft tissues inside the cheeks, tongue, gums, and around the roots of your teeth are directly connected to your bloodstream. This means that when you don’t take care of your oral hygiene, the consequences go far beyond a cavity or two.
Curiocity sat down with one of Canada’s leading alternative healthcare experts. Bryce Wylde has teamed up with GUM®, the number one recommended brand by dental professionals*, and he filled us in on the crucial link between oral health and the rest of your body.
Behind the teeth
“Oral health is so important, because if it’s not good — and that could be ‘not good’ to a very small degree — you are setting up the stage for heart and brain disease,” Functional Medicine Clinician Bryce Wylde tells Curiocity.
“The biggest misconception is that because your teeth are shiny white and you have a nice smile, you’re good to go,” Wylde explains. “But under the microscope, other things are happening. Inflamed gums can allow bacteria to flood into your bloodstream. What starts in the mouth doesn’t stay in the mouth.”
All sorts of different strains and species of bacteria can start in the oral cavity. When we don’t take proper care of our oral hygiene, they can lodge in the heart, the cardiovascular system, and even the brain.
So, how do we stop this from happening?
Listen to your dentist
The simplest solution is also the best solution: flossing. Yes, your dentist might be on to something with that one.
“Flossing daily for 60 to 90 seconds adds healthy years to your life by preventing cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and stroke. I hope that this message resonates loud and clear, because it’s something that I think anyone can do.”
A Leger poll** shows that about 65 per cent of respondents in Alberta and BC don’t floss daily, often due to forgetfulness, inconvenience, or not knowing about the connected healthcare benefits. The good news is that if you’re one of the 65 per cent, it’s never too late to start.
Double-check your routine
Wylde suggests considering the reasons you don’t floss and creating an action plan to accommodate those reasons. For example, Wylde uses GUM® professional clean flossers for their ease of use. He also leaves them wherever he goes — be it his car, office, or home. That way, he can floss at his convenience.
Of course, flossing is just one piece of the puzzle. Brushing twice a day — especially before bed — is critical. Wylde also recommends using a tongue scraper to reach the pesky bacteria that sit at the very back of your tongue.
By practicing good oral hygiene habits, you’re doing more than preventing cavities and bad breath. You’re protecting your heart, brain, and immune system. “Flossing does more than you think,” reiterates Wylde.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit GUM® online to get expert advice, product recommendations, and take the first step toward a healthier you.
*DOF-0042
**Conducted by Leger, the national omnibus survey was conducted from February 28th to March 3rd, 2025, among a nationally representative sample of 1,548 Canadian residents aged 18 and older who are members of Leger’s online panel, balanced and weighted on age, gender, region, education, and language. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of 1,548 respondents would have a margin of error of ±2.5%, 19 times out of 20.
Kendall Bistretzan
Branded Content Writer
Kendall Bistretzan is a Calgary-based writer, reporter, and coffee enthusiast. In her spare time, she loves to read, have dinner with friends, and sing in her car. She is currently querying her debut fiction novel. You can find her on Instagram @kendallbistwrites.
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