Recent research has found that taking up a simple and easy habit once a week could slash your risk of a stroke by almost 50%. It comes as a new study from the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2025 revealed the ‘lifesaving’ benefits of flossing your teeth regularly.
According to the study presented at the event, flossing at least once a week can significantly lower the risk of stroke caused by a blood clot blocking brain blood flow and irregular heartbeats by up to 44%. The conference, which took place in Los Angeles, is a world premier meeting for researchers and clinicians dedicated to the science of stroke and brain health.
Despite the benefits of flossing—not just for fresh breath or cavity prevention but for whole-body wellness, too—reports suggest that approximately 33% of British adults never floss. Even though many people skip flossing, dental experts stress that it’s crucial for keeping your mouth healthy and avoiding gum disease—as well as brushing twice daily and using mouthwash.
Poor dental health significantly increases your risk of stroke, heart disease, systemic inflammation, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Flossing can be done as little as once a week, but ideally, it should be a daily activity. For an adult mouth, flossing teeth can take about one to two minutes, although the exact time depends on how thorough you are.
Flossing is essential to maintaining good oral hygiene, as it helps ward off cavities, gum disease, and plaque buildup. It’s best to floss before you go to bed. Make sure to floss between each pair of teeth, taking a few seconds on each side of every tooth. Gently scrape up and down against the tooth a few times for the best results.
Key findings from the study
- Flossing reduces the risk of cardioembolic stroke (clots from the heart) by 44%.
- Flossing is linked to a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke (the most common type caused by blood clots).
- Flossing also lowers the risk of AFib, a heart condition, by 12%
- Increasing the frequency of flossing had a greater chance of stroke risk reduction.
- Flossing was also associated with a lower chance of cavities and periodontal disease.
- These benefits are independent of brushing or regular dental visits, meaning flossing alone has a major impact.
The study began in 1987 and is ongoing. Of the 6,258 participants, 82% were self-reported white adults and 18% were black adults. Their average age was 62 years and 55% were women. Potential participants were excluded if they had total tooth loss, dental implants, heart disease, organ transplant, artificial joints, implanted heart valve or stent or major surgery.
Study lead author Souvik Sen, MD, MS, MPH, chair of the Department of Neurology, Prisma Health Richland Hospital and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, 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,” he added: “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. Many people have expressed that dental care is costly. Flossing is a healthy habit that is easy to adopt, affordable and accessible everywhere.”
Tips for a healthy mouth
Floss at least once a week , ideally daily, to reduce harmful bacteria and inflammation. Use a tongue scraper ; a 2022 study found that up to 80% of harmful bacteria in the mouth originate on the tongue. Removing these bacteria daily can reduce the burden on your gut microbiome.
Stimulate your gums ; disrupting the bacteria in your gums is vital to preventing stroke and systemic illness. Use an effective flossing tool to clean more thoroughly, especially if traditional flossing is difficult or inconsistent.