Do you floss? I’ll be the first to admit that I’m likely my dentist’s least favourite patient. How so? Well, I don’t floss as often as I should. Now, a new study suggests that my lack of flossing may be turning me into a cardiovascular patient, as regular flossing may reduce the risk of stroke, even when done as little as once a week.
Flossing For Lower Stroke Risk
Oral health is important, and not just for aesthetic purposes, as the state of our mouths can influence the state of our general health. This article will examine the link between oral health and longevity, and I’ll also examine a recently published study that suggests that flossing can reduce stroke risk.
What’s the Link Between Flossing and Stroke?
Globally, 1 in 4 adults over the age of 25 will experience in their lifetime, with around 6.5 million annual stroke-related deaths occurring.
There are various factors associated with stroke risk, yet one lesser known one seems to be oral health. With the global prevalence of oral infection being close to 3.5 billion people, researchers set out to examine the relationship between oral hygiene habits and stroke risk.
Led by author Souvik Sen, MD, chair of the department of neurology at Prisma Health Richland Hospital and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, a group of researchers examined how oral hygiene habits may influence cardiovascular health risks.
For the study, the team retrieved data on about 6,300 people who had enrolled in the ongoing Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort study, which began in 1987. The cohort is a large-scale examination of cardiovascular disease risk and prevalence in the U.S. For this particular study, participants reported their dental floss use frequency and brushing habits, with 65% sharing that they floss.
A long term study
Participants also revealed their blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, smoking habits, body mass index, education, and dentist visits.
After 25 years, 434 participants had developed a stroke:
- 147 were triggered by larger artery brain clots (ischemic stroke)
- 97 by blood clots that developed in the heart (cardioembolic stroke)
- 95 from clots in small blood vessels in the brain (ischemic stroke).
Additionally, 1,291 participants experienced atrial fibrillation (or AFib) – an irregular heartbeat that disrupts the normal flow of blood, which affects over 50 million people worldwide.
Flossing: A Heart-Healthy Hack
“Our research suggests that dental flossing can reduce the risk of stroke, and higher frequency of flossing leads to further reduction of stroke.” – Souvik Sen, MD, MPH
The findings, which are set to be presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2025, between February 5-7, revealed that flossing was linked to a respective 22% and 44% lower chance of ischemic stroke, and cardioembolic stroke. The researchers also discovered that flossing was associated with a 12% reduced risk of AFib.
“Flossing was also linked to better overall health, including lower blood pressure, healthier cholesterol levels, and lower chances of diabetes,” added Dr. Sen.
So how exactly does flossing help heart health?
“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,” explains Dr. Sen.
Yet, despite pre-published studies highlighting the link between oral health and general health, this particular study has its drawbacks. For one, it hasn’t been peer-reviewed and published. Also, the data was self-reported, and there was no follow-up regarding flossing or other oral hygiene habits.
A Guide to Flossing
Now, while Dr. Sen’s findings still need to be reviewed, this doesn’t take away from the benefits of flossing.
There are a plethora of flossing options available, including traditional floss, floss picks, and water flossers. Besides flossing, Dr. Fatima Khan, DMD, a dentist, spoke to Health and advised spending about two minutes brushing, and focusing on all surfaces of your teeth, including along the gum line.
They also suggested the following:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Cut back on sugary snacks and drinks
- Snack on crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots
- visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups
Want to know more?
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