Regular flossing is linked to a lower risk of stroke caused by blood clots and irregular heartbeats, a new study revealed. The research suggests that flossing teeth at least once a week is associated with a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke, which occurs when arteries to the brain become blocked.
Conducted by researchers from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, the study aimed to identify which oral hygiene behavior had the greatest impact on stroke prevention. "We aimed to determine which oral hygiene behavior—dental flossing, brushing, or regular dentist visits—has the greatest impact on stroke prevention," said Dr. Souvik Sen, the study's lead author, according to The Sun.
The researchers analyzed data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, which began in 1987 and involved more than 6,200 participants. The study assessed the use of dental floss at home through questionnaires and considered health factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, body mass index, education, regular brushing, and dentist visits.
Over a 25-year follow-up period, 434 participants experienced strokes, including 97 cardioembolic strokes caused by blood clots pumped from the heart to the brain. Those who used dental floss at least once a week were found to be 44% less likely to suffer a cardioembolic stroke. Additionally, flossing was associated with a 12% lower chance of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular heartbeat known to increase stroke risk.
Dr. Sen explained the potential reasons behind these findings. "Oral health behaviors are linked to inflammation and artery hardening. Flossing may reduce stroke risk by lowering oral infections and inflammation and encouraging other healthy habits," he said, according to ORF Science. He emphasized the accessibility of flossing, adding that "flossing is a healthy habit that is easy to adopt, affordable, and accessible everywhere."
Importantly, the link between flossing and reduced stroke risk was independent of other oral hygiene practices. The researchers noted that the benefits of regular flossing might be separate from tooth brushing and other oral hygiene habits.
One theory suggests that bacteria causing cavities or gum infections can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation elsewhere in the body. "Remnants of such bacteria have been found in arteries far from the mouth that are narrowed by atherosclerosis," reported ORF Science. Another theory is that gum inflammation leads to systemic inflammation, contributing to artery narrowing and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
"Because inflammation can contribute to the risk for stroke, it would make sense that if people flossed regularly, it might also reduce the risk of stroke and AFib," Dr. Sen noted. Previous studies have also shown links between oral health and broader physical health issues.
The article was written with the assistance of a news analysis system.