Flossing & Stroke Risk: New Research
- A preliminary study suggests that flossing at least once a week could be associated with a decreased risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation (AFib).
- Souvik Sen, M.D.,chair of neurology at Prisma Health Richland Hospital and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine,noted that oral diseases affect billions worldwide.The study aimed to...
- The atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study surveyed over 6,000 individuals about their flossing habits.
Flossing at least once a week might slash your stroke risk, a preliminary study indicates. This groundbreaking research, set to be presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference, links regular flossing to a decreased risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation (AFib). Researchers surveyed over 6,000 individuals, discovering that those who flossed regularly showed a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke and a 12% lower risk of AFib. This importent oral hygiene benefit, seemingly independent of brushing habits, underscores the importance of flossing as a stroke prevention measure. The surprising reduction in AFib cases highlights the potential for simple, accessible habits to dramatically impact heart health. Learn how these findings from the ARIC study could change how we approach oral healthcare. News Directory 3 knows the implications. Discover what’s next as researchers delve into the long-term cardiovascular effects of consistent flossing.
Regular Flossing Linked to Lower Stroke Risk, Study Suggests
Updated June 12, 2025
A preliminary study suggests that flossing at least once a week could be associated with a decreased risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation (AFib). The research is slated for presentation at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference, scheduled for Feb. 5-7, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Souvik Sen, M.D.,chair of neurology at Prisma Health Richland Hospital and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine,noted that oral diseases affect billions worldwide.The study aimed to pinpoint which oral hygiene habits have the biggest impact on stroke prevention.
The atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study surveyed over 6,000 individuals about their flossing habits. Of those who flossed, more than 4,000 had no prior stroke history, and a similar number had not been diagnosed with AFib.
Researchers also gathered data on participants’ blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking habits, and other health factors. Over a 25-year follow-up period, 434 participants experienced strokes, and 1,291 developed AFib.
The analysis revealed that flossing was associated with a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke, a 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke, and a 12% lower risk of AFib. This oral hygiene benefit appeared independent of regular brushing or dental visits. Increasing flossing frequency correlated with greater stroke prevention.
sen said that the reduction in AFib was an unexpected finding. The American Heart Association projects that over 12 million people in the U.S. will have AFib by 2030.
“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,” Sen said. ”Many people have expressed that dental care is costly. Flossing is a healthy habit that is easy to adopt, affordable and accessible everywhere.”
Sen acknowledged that the study relied on self-reported data and focused primarily on stroke and heart outcomes during the follow-up period.
Daniel T. Lackland, professor of epidemiology at the Medical University of South Carolina, who was not involved in the study, suggested that further research could perhaps incorporate dental health practices into standard risk factor assessments.
What’s next
Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore the mechanisms by which flossing may reduce stroke risk. Researchers plan to investigate the long-term effects of consistent flossing on cardiovascular health.