A new study set to be presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2025 suggests that people who floss their teeth at least once a week may significantly lower their risk of stroke caused by blood clots and strokes related to irregular heartbeats such as Atrial fibrillation (AFib).
The preliminary findings indicate a link between regular flossing and a 22 per cent lower risk of ischemic stroke, a 44 per cent lower risk of cardioembolic stroke and a 12 per cent lower risk of developing AFib.
The study which was based on the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) followed more than 6,000 participants over 25 years and also found that flossing was linked to fewer cavities and a reduced likelihood of periodontal disease.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), oral diseases are the most common non-communicable diseases (NCDs), worldwide affecting an estimated 3.5 billion people and often misunderstood as just dental health, overlooking its broader importance.
It includes diseases such as dental caries or cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, noma and birth defects, affecting the mouth, teeth and facial structures that are essential for eating, breathing and speaking.
AFib is a heart condition that causes an irregular heartbeat when the electrical signals in the upper chambers of the heart (atria) don’t send out properly which can lead to stroke, heart failure, and other complications.
Lead author of the study, Dr Souvik Sen, noted the study aimed to determine which oral hygiene behaviour; dental flossing, brushing, or regular dentist visits has the greatest impact on stroke prevention.
Sen suggested that flossing could lower stroke risk by reducing oral infections and inflammation which are known to contribute to artery hardening.
“Flossing is a healthy habit that is easy to adopt, affordable, and accessible everywhere. While the study’s findings are promising, the data were based on self-reported flossing habits, and the follow-up primarily focused on stroke and heart outcomes,” he explained.
Co-author of the study, Dr Daniel Lackland, pointed out the potential long-term impact of these findings and the insights into the specific dental health behaviours that may be linked to stroke risks and potential risk reduction.
According to the report, the study began in 1987 having a diverse participant group, with 82 per cent self-reporting as white and 18 per cent as Black, with an average age of 62.
The researchers noted that the findings underscore the importance of dental hygiene not only for oral health but also for heart health, as regular flossing may be an easy and effective way to reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular issues.
They also reported that 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 during the 25 years of follow-up.
Additionally, 1,291 participants were noted to have experienced AFib.
