A groundbreaking study published in January 2025 reveals that a simple daily habit—dental flossing—may help reduce the risk of stroke and related heart conditions. The research, conducted over 25 years, suggests that individuals who regularly floss their teeth have a lower risk of experiencing ischemic strokes and atrial fibrillation. This heart rhythm disorder can lead to stroke.
The study followed over 6,000 participants through the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities research project. Among these participants, those who reported regular flossing showed a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke and a 12% lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation compared to non-flossers. The reduction in stroke risk was particularly significant for cardioembolic strokes, a specific type of stroke caused by blood clots that form due to irregular heart rhythms.
These findings remained consistent even after researchers accounted for other factors that might influence stroke risk, including age, gender, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and other oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing and dental visits. This suggests that flossing itself may provide unique protective benefits beyond other forms of dental care.
Dr. Souvik Sen, the study’s lead author, and colleagues emphasize that these results highlight flossing as a potentially important behavior modification for stroke prevention. The connection between oral health and cardiovascular disease has been previously established, but this study is among the first to demonstrate the specific benefits of flossing in reducing stroke risk.
While further research may be needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind this relationship, this study provides compelling evidence that maintaining good oral hygiene through regular flossing could be a simple yet effective way to help protect against serious cardiovascular events.
