Regular dental flossing reduces the risk of a stroke, according to new research. People who floss their teeth at least once a week lower their risk of suffering a potentially fatal stroke caused by a blood clot travelling from the heart say scientists.
They also reduce the chance of a stroke associated with an irregular heartbeat – such as atrial fibrillation, according to the findings. Researchers say the benefits of regular flossing – which is affordable, easy to adopt and accessible everywhere – may be independent of tooth brushing and other oral hygiene habits.
Study lead author Professor Souvik Sen, of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, said: “A recent global health report revealed that oral diseases – such as untreated tooth decay and gum disease – affected 3.5 billion people in 2022, making them the most widespread health conditions. We aimed to determine which oral hygiene behaviour – dental flossing, brushing or regular dentist visits – has the greatest impact on stroke prevention.”
The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, which began in 1987, assessed the home use of dental floss through a questionnaire of more than 6,000 people. Among those who reported flossing, 4,092 had not experienced a stroke and 4,050 had not been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation.
Participants were asked about their status regarding high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, body mass index (BMI), education, regular brushing and dentist visits. During the 25 years of follow-up, 434 participants were identified as having strokes, of which 147 were larger artery brain clots, 97 were heart-driven clots and 95 were hardening of the smaller arteries. Additionally, 1,291 participants were noted to have experienced AFib.
The analysis found that flossing was associated with a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke, 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke – blood clots traveling from the heart- and 12% lower risk of AFib. The associated lower risk was independent of regular brushing and routine dental visits or other oral hygiene habits. Increasing the frequency of flossing had a greater chance of stroke risk reduction, while flossing was also associated with a lower chance of cavities and periodontal disease.
Prof Sen said: “Oral health behaviours are linked to inflammation and artery hardening. Flossing may reduce stroke risk by lowering oral infections and inflammation and encouraging other healthy habits.”
He added: “Many people have expressed that dental care is costly. Flossing is a healthy habit that is easy to adopt, affordable and accessible everywhere.”
The findings of the preliminary study are due to be presented at the American Stroke Association’s annual International Stroke Conference in Los Angeles next week.