Regularly flossing your teeth may not only protect your gums, but also lower your risk of stroke as well as irregular heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation.
The study included 6,278 participants (average age 62; 55 per cent women) who provided information about their oral hygiene, and their status regarding high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, body mass index and education. About 65 per cent reported flossing at least once a week. During 25 years of follow-up, 434 participants suffered a stroke and 1,291 developed Afib.
People who flossed had a 22 per cent lower risk of ischaemic stroke caused by a clot blocking blood flow to the brain, 44 per cent lower risk of stroke caused by a clot travelling from the heart and a 12 per cent lower risk of atrial fibrillation. The reduced risk was independent of regular brushing, routine dental visits or other oral hygiene behaviours, suggesting flossing is a simple habit that can be adopted to reduce stroke risk.
Flossing was also associated with a lower risk of cavities and gum disease.
The lead author says, “Oral health behaviours are linked to inflammation and artery hardening. Flossing may reduce stroke risk by lowering oral infections and inflammation and encouraging other healthy habits.”
The findings are significant because a recent global health report found that oral diseases, such as untreated tooth decay and gum disease, affected 3.5 billion people in 2022, making them the most widespread health conditions. The findings were presented at a meeting of the American Stroke Association.
