Regular flossing may reduce the risk of stroke and irregular heartbeats, according to a preliminary study set to be presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2025, taking place February 5-7.
Furthermore, the benefits of regular flossing may be independent of other dental hygiene habits, including toothbrushing, according to a press release from American Heart Association dated January 30.
"This study offers more insights into the specific dental health behaviors that may be linked to stroke risks and potential risk reduction," Daniel T. Lackland, DrPH, professor of epidemiology and director of the division of translational neurosciences and population studies in the department of neurology at the Medical University of South Carolina, said in the release.
The study surveyed over 6,000 people on their dental flossing habits using a structured questionnaire. Among those who flossed, 4,092 had not experienced a stroke, and 4,050 had no history of irregular heartbeats like those caused by atrial fibrillation (AFib), according to the release.
Participants also provided information on factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, smoking, body mass index, education, brushing habits, and dental visits.
Over 25 years of follow-up, 434 strokes were recorded: 147 due to large artery clots, 97 from heart-related clots, and 95 from small artery hardening. Additionally, 1,291 participants were diagnosed with AFib.
The analysis found that flossing was linked to a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke, a 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke, and a 12% lower risk of AFib. This reduced risk was independent of other oral hygiene habits like brushing or dental visits, with more frequent flossing offering greater stroke prevention benefits, according to the release.
Also, flossing was associated with fewer cavities and a lower risk of periodontal disease. Researchers were surprised by the link to reduced AFib, a common irregular heartbeat that can lead to stroke, heart failure, or other heart complications.
However, the study had limitations, including relying on self-reported data and focusing only on stroke and heart outcomes over 25 years without tracking flossing or other oral habits over time, according to the release.
"Flossing may reduce stroke risk by lowering oral infections and inflammation and encouraging other healthy habits," Dr. Souvik Sen, MPH, chair of the department of neurology at Prisma Health Richland Hospital and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, said in the release.
