A groundbreaking study presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2025 reveals that weekly flossing may significantly reduce the risk of stroke and irregular heartbeat. The research, led by Dr. Souvik Sen from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, builds on concerning global health data showing oral diseases affected 3.5 billion people in 2022.

The comprehensive Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study examined over 6,000 participants’ dental hygiene habits and their correlation with stroke occurrence. During the 25-year follow-up period, researchers documented 434 strokes among participants, with varying types including larger artery brain clots, heart-driven clots, and hardening of smaller arteries.

The findings revealed remarkable correlations between regular flossing and reduced health risks. Participants who reported regular flossing showed:

22% lower risk of ischemic stroke
44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke
12% lower risk of atrial fibrillation.

These reductions occurred independently of other oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing and dental visits.

Dr. Sen suggests that flossing’s effectiveness stems from its ability to reduce oral infections and inflammation while promoting other healthy habits.

“Many people have expressed that dental care is costly,” Sen noted. “Flossing is a healthy habit that is easy to adopt, affordable and accessible everywhere.”

The implications of this research extend beyond oral health. Daniel T. Lackland, professor at the Medical University of South Carolina, suggests that with further research, dental health practices could potentially be incorporated into the “Life’s Essential 8” risk factors, alongside established factors such as diet, physical activity, and blood pressure.

While the study presents promising results, researchers acknowledge certain limitations. The reliance on questionnaire-based data and the lack of follow-up regarding participants’ flossing habits over the 25-year period suggest the need for more controlled studies. Additionally, the participant pool, consisting of 82% white adults and 18% Black adults with an average age of 62, may not fully represent all demographic groups.

Bears in a park

The research particularly highlights the unexpected connection between flossing and reduced risk of irregular heartbeats, or AFib. This finding gains significance as the incidence of AFib in Canada is up to 4.5% per year, with lifetime risk estimated at 25% among those older than 40 years.

As oral health continues to emerge as a crucial factor in overall cardiovascular health, this study underscores the importance of accessible preventive measures. The simple act of flossing, while often overlooked, may represent a significant step toward reducing stroke risk and promoting better heart health across populations.

Book your next check-up today - your future self will thank you for prioritizing oral health.

Regular Flossing Reduces Stroke Risk by 44 Percent