Every five minutes, someone in the UK has a stroke, with more than 100,000 strokes occurring each year.
These devastating events affect around 1.3 million people living in the UK and remain a leading cause of death and disability. Now, a groundbreaking study has revealed that a simple dental hygiene habit could play a significant role in preventing strokes and irregular heart rhythms.
New research suggests that regular flossing may lower the risk of certain types of strokes and reduce the likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib), a heart rhythm disorder known to increase stroke risk.
While the link between dental care and stroke prevention might seem surprising, it reflects a growing understanding of how oral health affects the entire body.
Dr Souvik Sen from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine highlights the scale of this connection: "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."
This widespread prevalence of oral health issues makes the potential for stroke prevention through improved dental care particularly significant.
The comprehensive study followed 6,278 participants over 25 years, with approximately 65% reporting regular flossing habits of at least once per week. The results showed significant benefits for those who maintained regular flossing routines:
A 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke (the most common type, caused by a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain)
A 44% lower risk of cardioembolic strokes (which occur when a blood clot travels from the heart to the brain)
A 12% lower risk of developing atrial fibrillation
Dr Sen, who led the research, explains the potential mechanism behind these findings: "Dental flossing reduces oral infections and gum disease, which are linked to inflammation." This connection between oral health and cardiovascular health appears to be significant, as inflammation can contribute to both stroke risk and AFib development.
The research team tracked various types of strokes among participants:
147 cases involving larger artery brain clots
97 cases of heart-driven clots
95 cases related to hardening of smaller arteries
Dr Karen Furie, neurologist-in-chief at Brown University Health, provides additional context: "Flossing does help get debris out from between teeth that brushing alone might miss. Things that cause inflammation to the gums might be retained food or seeds, things that if not removed might inflame the gums and contribute to a systemic inflammatory state that might affect the health of the blood vessels."
One of the most compelling aspects of this research is its practical implications. As Dr Sen points out, "Many people have expressed that dental care is costly. Flossing is a healthy habit that is easy to adopt, affordable and accessible everywhere."
While the research highlights the importance of flossing, it's essential to understand that it's just one component of stroke prevention. Other crucial factors include:
Managing blood pressure
Controlling cholesterol levels
Maintaining a healthy weight
Regular physical activity
Following a balanced diet
Getting adequate sleep
1. How often should I floss to see potential benefits?
The study showed benefits in people who flossed at least once per week, though dental professionals typically recommend daily flossing for optimal oral health.
2. Does this mean flossing alone can prevent strokes?
As Dr Sen emphasises, "I wouldn't say dental flossing is the only thing you need to do to prevent a stroke, but our findings suggest it is one more thing to be added to a healthy lifestyle."
3. Why doesn't flossing affect all types of strokes equally?
The research showed stronger benefits for certain types of strokes, particularly those related to heart-driven blood clots. The relationship between flossing and different stroke types is still being studied.
4. Is there a difference between various flossing methods?
The study focused on regular dental flossing in general. Specific comparisons between different flossing methods were not part of this research.
This article is for general information only and is not intended to treat or diagnose medical conditions. If in doubt please check with your GP first.
References:
American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference (2025). The findings are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
State of the Nation Stroke Statistics, Stroke Association (2023)
Arthritis: How Your Food Choices Could Ease Joint Pain and Inflammation
Add a Decade to Your Life: Simple Dietary Changes Proven by New Research
Could Eating Cheese Cut Your Cholesterol And Dementia Risk?
