Hanging by a thread

How regular flossing can help ward of diabetes and heart disease. Plus, could venom from honeybees be the answer to treating breast cancer?

When was the last time you flossed? You might be tempted to skip it, but brushing up on your oral hygiene could have flow-on effects for your entire body. Scientists from Japan have pinpointed how gum disease can lead to metabolic syndrome, a cluster of health conditions including obesity and high cholesterol that increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Their study found that the bacteria that causes gum disease also interferes with the muscles’ ability to store glucose, a malfunction that can lead to insulin resistance (and diabetes). What’s the connection?

It’s believed the gingivitis germs alter the gut microbiome, setting off a chain reaction in the body’s sugar-processing system. Tooth story.