Flossing your teeth at least once a week could be linked to a lower risk of stroke and irregular heartbeats, according to a new preliminary study. The findings, set to be presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2025 in Los Angeles, suggest that good oral hygiene might play a crucial role in preventing strokes caused by blood clots and reducing the chances of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common heart condition.
Lead researcher Dr. Souvik Sen, chair of the Department of Neurology at Prisma Health Richland Hospital and the University of South Carolina, noted that oral diseases like untreated tooth decay and gum disease affected 3.5 billion people worldwide in 2022. The study aimed to identify which oral health habits—flossing, brushing, or regular dentist visits—had the greatest impact on stroke prevention.
The study, part of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) research, analyzed data from more than 6,000 people over a 25-year period. Participants who flossed regularly had a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke, 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke (clots traveling from the heart), and a 12% lower risk of developing AFib. The results also showed that more frequent flossing was linked to better oral health, including fewer cavities and less periodontal disease.
Dr. Sen explained that flossing might reduce inflammation and oral infections, which could help lower stroke risk. Additionally, flossing is a low-cost, accessible habit that many people can easily adopt.
While the study offers promising insights, researchers caution that further research is needed. Study limitations include the reliance on self-reported flossing habits and a lack of follow-up on participants' oral hygiene over the years. However, the findings suggest that dental health practices could potentially be incorporated into broader stroke prevention strategies, like the American Heart Association's "Life's Essential 8" health factors.
The ARIC study began in 1987 and includes a diverse group of participants. Findings will be further examined and peer-reviewed in future studies.
Source: American Stroke Association
