YOU’VE PROBABLY HEARD your dentist nag you about flossing, but here’s a reason to actually listen: flossing just once a week could cut your risk of having a stroke by more than one-fifth. It turns out, this little habit does more than just keep your gums healthy—it might also protect your heart and brain.
I was reminded of this during a recent dental check-up. My teeth were in pretty good shape, according to the X-rays, and my overall oral hygiene wasn’t bad.One problem, though, was my forceful brushing technique probably causing my gums to recede. For a softer, circular action, my dentist advised moving to an electric toothbrush. Then he guided me through my evening ritual: brush carefully, ensuring that every surface of every tooth—front, rear, and sides—is hit.. But before brushing, he said, comes the real hero: flossing.
Flossing, he explained, is just as important as brushing—if not more so. And if you really want to up your game, those little interdental brushes can get into spaces that floss might miss.
The Science Underlying It
Examined in relation to flossing and stroke risk, a study presented at the American Stroke Association meeting dug Tracking their flossing behaviour and health results, researchers monitored 6,258 individuals over 25 years. Those who flossed at least once a week were 22% less likely to have an ischaemic stroke, the most often occurring kind of stroke resulting from a blood clot blocking an artery in the brain.
But that’s not all. Regular flossers also had a 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke, which occurs when the heart sends a blood clot or debris into the brain’s blood vessels. On top of that, they were 12% less likely to develop atrial fibrillation, a heart condition that can lead to stroke.
Dr. Souvik Sen, the study’s lead author from the University of South Carolina, put it simply: “Oral health habits are closely tied to inflammation and hardening of the arteries. By reducing oral infections and inflammation, flossing can help lower your risk of stroke.”
Why Flossing Matters
Let’s face it: dental care can be expensive, but flossing isn’t. It’s cheap, easy, and something you can do at home. And the benefits go way beyond fresh breath and healthy gums. In the UK, strokes affect around 100,000 people every year, so anything that can help reduce that number is worth paying attention to.
What’s really interesting is that the study found flossing’s benefits were independent of other dental habits, like brushing or regular dentist visits. In other words, even if you’re already brushing like a pro, adding flossing to your routine can make a real difference.
The Bacteria Connection
Another study presented at the same conference added another piece to the puzzle. Researchers in Japan found that a common type of bacteria, Streptococcus anginosus, which hangs out in your mouth and stomach, might play a role in stroke risk. They discovered higher levels of this bacteria in the stomachs of people who had recently had a stroke.
Those with more of this bacteria were also more likely to have another serious cardiovascular event or even die within two years. The takeaway? Keeping your mouth clean might help keep your heart and brain healthy, too.
Dr. Shuichi Tonomura, who led the study, said, “If we could develop a quick test to detect harmful bacteria in the mouth and gut, it could help us estimate someone’s stroke risk. Targeting these bacteria could also open up new ways to prevent strokes.”
Simple Steps for Better Oral Health
Floss Regularly: Even once a week can make a difference, but aim for daily if you can.
Try Interdental Brushes: These tiny brushes can clean between your teeth better than floss in some cases.
Brush Smarter: Use an electric toothbrush with a gentle, circular motion to avoid damaging your gums.
Cut Back on Sugar: Less sugar means less fuel for harmful bacteria.
Don’t Skip the Dentist: Regular check-ups can catch problems early and keep your mouth in top shape.
The Big Picture
We all know the basics of stroke prevention: quit smoking, eat well, exercise, and keep your weight in check. But here’s another one to add to the list: floss. It’s a small habit that could have a big impact on your health.
