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Regular flossing reduces the risk of stroke and arrhythmias

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Flossing at least once a week may be associated with a reduced risk of stroke caused by blood clots blocking blood flow in the brain, and irregular heartbeat, according to a preliminary study to be presented at the International Stroke Conference 2025. The conference, to be held in Los Angeles this year, is the world’s main meeting of researchers and clinicians dedicated to the science of stroke and brain health.

A recent global health report showed that oral diseases – such as untreated tooth decay and gum disease – will affect 3.5 billion people in 2022, making them the most common diseases. “Our research team set out to determine which oral hygiene practice – flossing, brushing or regular dental visits – has the greatest impact on stroke prevention,” says principal investigator Souvik Sen, MD, chair of the Department of Neurology at Prisma Health Richland Hospital and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, South Carolina.

The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, one of the first large-scale studies of its kind in the U.S., evaluated home flossing using a structured questionnaire of more than 6,000 people. Among those who reported flossing, 4,092 people did not have a stroke and 4,050 people were not diagnosed with a heart rhythm disorder.

Participants were asked about their health, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, body mass index, education, brushing regularly, and visits to the dentist. During the 25 years of follow-up, 434 participants had strokes, of which 147 were associated with blood clots in the large arteries of the brain, 97 participants developed blood clots in the heart, and 95 had hardening of small arteries.

The analysis showed:

  • Flossing reduced the risk of ischemic stroke by 22%, the risk of cardioembolic stroke (blood clots forming in the heart) by 44%, and the risk of atrial fibrillation by 12%.
  • This risk reduction was independent of regular brushing, dental visits, or other oral hygiene practices.
  • Increasing the frequency of flossing was more likely to reduce the risk of stroke.
  • Flossing was also associated with a lower likelihood of developing tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Researchers were surprised to see a decrease in the incidence of heart rhythm disorders and atrial fibrillation (AF). AF is the most common form of irregular heartbeat. It can lead to stroke, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications. The American Heart Association predicts that by 2030, more than 12 million people in the U.S. will suffer from FP.

“Oral hygiene behaviors have been linked to inflammation and hardening of the arteries. Flossing can reduce the risk of stroke by reducing oral infections and inflammation and establishing other healthy habits,” Sen says. – Many people think that taking care of their teeth is expensive. Flossing is a healthy habit that is easy to instill, inexpensive and always available.”

History of the study and details:

  • The study began in 1987 and is still ongoing.
  • Of the 6,258 participants, 82% were Caucasian adults and 18% were black. The average age of the participants was 62 years old and 55% were female.
  • People with complete tooth loss, dental implants, heart disease, organ transplants, artificial joints, implanted heart valves or stents, and major surgery were excluded.
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Stepan Yuk
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PhD. Olexandr Voznyak
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