Flossing, for some, has been a bridge too far in the oral hygiene mission. Indeed, flossing has been considered too finicky for a few of us and an unnecessary chore. New scientific research may now change this forever more. Now it appears flossing can reduce your risk of stroke! The study by the Department of Neurology, Prisma Health Richland Hospital and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine investigated which dental hygiene activity had the greatest impact on stroke prevention. Was it brushing teeth, regular dental visits or dental flossing? A structured questionnaire surveyed more than 6,000 people.

Regular Dental Flossing A Good Indicator To Avoid Strokes

“The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, one of the first large-scale investigations of this kind in the U.S., assessed the home use of dental floss through a structured 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 (AFib). Participants were asked about their status regarding high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, body mass index, 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.”
– Souvik Sen, M.D., M. S., M.P.H, chair of the Department of Neurology, Prisma Health Richland Hospital and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, South Carolina

Study Reveals Dental Flossing Linked To Reduced Risk Of Strokes

According to the authors of this study, oral health activities are linked to heart disease and stroke issues like inflammation and artery hardening. Flossing might reduce the risk of stroke through the lowering of oral infections and inflammations. Perhaps, those folk who floss are those who go the extra mile when it comes to healthy habits? Another element may involve the fact that going to the dentist is expensive, especially during a cost of living crisis and flossing at home is an affordable oral care habit, which is accessible just about everywhere. Flossing as a symbol of the free?

Limitations Of Study

This study has obvious limitations in that it is a questionnaire with participants providing answers for the data. In addition, it did not offer any detailed follow-up about flossing or other oral hygiene behaviours. The study does provide insights into oral health behaviours, which may correlate with risks of stroke and potential risk reduction.

Flossing To Reduce Stroke Risk Findings

– Flossing associated with 22% less risk of ischemic stroke.
– Flossing associated with 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke (blood clots from the heart).
– Flossing associated with 12% less risk of AFib.
– These findings were independent of regular tooth brushing and routine visits to the dentist.
– Flossing correlates with chances of fewer cavities and periodontal disease.

“Researchers were surprised by the reduction of irregular heartbeats, or AFib. AFib is the most common form of irregular heartbeat. It can lead to stroke, heart failure or other cardiovascular complications. More than 12 million people are projected to have AFib in the United States by 2030, according to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics.”
– Science Daily

Study Background Information

This study started in 1987 and is ongoing. 6, 258 participants took part. Average was 62 YO and 55% were women. Excluded participants included those with tooth loss, dental implants, organ transplant, heart disease, artificial joints, implanted heart valve or stent or had major surgery. The American Heart Association provided the materials for the publication of this study in the cited journal.
– American Heart Association. “Regular dental flossing may lower risk of stroke from blood clots, irregular heartbeats.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 30 January 2025.

Strokes & Oral Health

“One of the primary causes of disability and mortality in the adult population worldwide is stroke. A person’s general health is significantly impacted by their oral and dental health. People who have poor oral health are more susceptible to conditions such as stroke. Stroke risk has long been linked to oral and dental conditions. The risk of stroke and its cost impact on the healthcare systems appear to be significantly reduced as a result of the decline in the incidence and prevalence of oral and dental illnesses. Hypothetically, better management of oral hygiene and dental health lead to reduced stroke risk. “
– Shahi S, Farhoudi M, Dizaj SM, Sharifi S, Sadigh-Eteghad S, Goh KW, Ming LC, Dhaliwal JS, Salatin S. The Link between Stroke Risk and Orodental Status-A Comprehensive Review. J Clin Med. 2022 Oct 2;11(19):5854. doi: 10.3390/jcm11195854. PMID: 36233721; PMCID: PMC9572898.

What Is A Stroke?

There are 2 types of stroke:

An Ischemic Stroke involves blood supply to the brain being blocked or reduced. This means that brain tissue is not getting oxygen and necessary nutrients. Brain cells will then begin to die in minutes following this stroke.

Haemorrhagic Strokes occur via a blood vessel bursting or leaking in the brain and this causes a brain bleed. Increased blood pressure on brain cells damages them.

There are currently no viable treatments for stroke, as delivering medications to specific brain regions is beyond our capabilities.

Who is At Risk Of Stroke?

“Stroke attacks the brain, the human control centre. The brain is divided into areas which control different things. The impact of the stroke depends on the area of the brain it damages. Damage to an area of your brain can impact how you think, behave, use words, swallow, see, feel, touch, and move your body. Stroke affects everyone differently.”
– Stroke Foundation

Older people are at a greater risk of stroke. Men are more likely to suffer a stroke. High blood pressure increases your risk of stroke, as does being overweight, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and diabetes. A healthy lifestyle, which involves exercise, a good diet with plenty of green leafy vegetables, not eating a lot of processed foods, reducing the amount of meat consumed, drinking plenty of pure water, fibre rich diets are best. Good oral hygiene!!! Flossing, brushing your teeth twice a day with a frequently upgraded soft bristled toothbrush, and seeing your dentist once or twice a year for a check-up. Your mouth is like a portal to your overall health and wellbeing.

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