If you brush and floss regularly, you might be smarter than you realize. Not only are these actions the building blocks of basic oral hygiene, but a recent study shows that a healthy mouth might also be linked to a healthier mind.

The study revealed that older adults with gum disease demonstrated higher rates of injury to the brain’s white matter than those without gum disease.

White matter plays an important role in allowing different parts of the brain to communicate with one another. Damage to this white matter can result in issues with memory, balance, coordination and reasoning, as well as an increased risk of stroke. The brain scans in the study focused on white matter hyperintensities — tiny areas of damage in the brain’s wiring that tend to increase with age and are connected to a higher risk of cognitive decline.

Researchers believe poor oral hygiene, which can result in chronic inflammation in the mouth that then leads to gum disease, might impact the health of blood vessels in the brain, leading to more white matter hyperintensities.

After accounting for factors like blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, age, race and sex, the researchers found that participants with gum disease had about a 56% greater chance of being in the group with the most brain damage.

While the study doesn’t prove that gum disease causes brain changes, researchers say, it adds to growing evidence that oral health is closely linked to overall health.

Lastly, here’s some food for thought: The next time you brush and floss, you’re not just keeping your mouth healthy. You might also be giving your brain a little extra protection along the way.