Flossing protects your brain as well as your gums, a new study suggests.
People who floss their teeth at least once a week are reducing their risk of stroke caused by a blood clot, researchers are scheduled to report Wednesday at a meeting of the American Stroke Association in Los Angeles.
Flossing is associated with a 22% lower risk of clot-caused stroke, and a 44% lower risk of a stroke caused by blood clots traveling from the heart, results show.
Flossers also had a 12% lower risk of atrial fibrillation (A-fib), an abnormal heart rhythm that increases risk of stroke.
“Oral health behaviors are linked to inflammation and artery hardening,” lead researcher Dr. Souvik Sen, chair of neurology at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, said in a news release.
“Flossing may reduce stroke risk by lowering oral infections and inflammation and encouraging other healthy habits," Sen continued.
For the study, researchers analyzed data from a long-term study of the health risks posed by clogged arteries. More than 6,200 participants in the study reported whether they floss and how often.
“A recent global health report revealed 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,” Sen said.
During 25 years of follow-up, 434 participants suffered a stroke and nearly 1,300 developed atrial fibrillation.
Regular flossing lowered people’s stroke risk, regardless of whether they regularly brushed their teeth or routinely visited a dentist, results show.
Flossing also was associated with a lower risk of cavities and gum disease.
“Many people have expressed that dental care is costly,” Sen said. “Flossing is a healthy habit that is easy to adopt, affordable and accessible everywhere.”
Researchers said they were surprised by the reduction in A-fib linked to flossing. This irregular heartbeat increases a person’s risk of stroke, because it allows blood to pool and clot in the upper chambers of the heart.
“This study offers more insights into the specific dental health behaviors that may be linked to stroke risks and potential risk reduction,” Daniel Lackland, a professor of epidemiology with the Medical University of South Carolina, said in a news release.
“With further research, dental health practices could possibly be incorporated into the ‘Life's Essential 8’ risk factors, which include diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep, body mass index, blood pressure, blood glucose and blood lipids,” added Lackland, who was not involved in the study.
Findings presented at medical meetings should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.