Regular Dental Flossing Linked to Lower Stroke and Atrial Fibrillation Risk, Study Suggests
TL;DR
Flossing at least once a week may lower stroke risk by 22% and 44% for blood clots and AFib, giving a competitive edge in health.
A large-scale ARIC study of 6,000 people showed that flossing independently reduces stroke risk and AFib, impacting oral health behaviors.
Flossing is an affordable, accessible habit that reduces inflammation, encourages healthy habits, and may prevent strokes, making the world healthier.
Flossing linked to lower stroke risk and AFib, surprising researchers, offering a simple and accessible way to improve oral and heart health.
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A comprehensive 25-year study suggests that regular dental flossing could be associated with a reduced risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation, according to research to be presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2025.
Researchers from the University of South Carolina analyzed data from over 6,000 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, examining the relationship between oral hygiene practices and cardiovascular health. The findings indicate that individuals who floss at least once per week may experience significant health benefits.
The study found that regular flossing was associated with a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke, a 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke, and a 12% lower risk of atrial fibrillation. Notably, these risk reductions appeared independent of other oral hygiene behaviors such as tooth brushing and dental visits.
Lead researcher Dr. Souvik Sen suggested that the potential benefits might stem from flossing's ability to reduce oral infections and inflammation. With oral diseases affecting 3.5 billion people globally in 2022, the study highlights a potentially accessible method for improving cardiovascular health.
While the research presents promising results, researchers caution that the data is based on self-reported questionnaires and requires further investigation. The study's limitations include a lack of long-term follow-up on participants' flossing habits and potential confounding factors.
As the prevalence of atrial fibrillation is projected to reach 12 million people in the United States by 2030, this research offers a potentially simple intervention for reducing cardiovascular risks.
Curated from NewMediaWire
