A study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2025 indicates that regular dental flossing may lower an individual's risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation. Researchers from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine analyzed data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, which followed over 6,000 participants for 25 years. The study found that people who floss their teeth at least once per week may experience significant health benefits.
Key findings indicate that 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. These risk reductions appeared independent of other oral hygiene behaviors like tooth brushing or routine dental visits. Study lead author Dr. Souvik Sen explained that oral health behaviors are linked to inflammation and artery hardening. Flossing may reduce stroke risk by lowering oral infections and promoting overall health. The research highlights that dental care can be accessible and affordable, with flossing being a simple preventive measure.
The study participants were predominantly white adults with an average age of 62, and 55% were women. Over the 25-year follow-up, 434 participants experienced strokes, and 1,291 were diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Experts suggest that these findings could potentially influence future cardiovascular health guidelines, with the possibility of incorporating dental health practices into existing risk factor assessments. The study's presentation at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2025 underscores its relevance to current medical discussions. More information about the conference can be found at https://www.stroke.org.
This research builds on the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, a long-term epidemiological project. The implications extend beyond individual health behaviors to potential public health recommendations. By demonstrating that a simple, low-cost intervention like flossing could have measurable effects on cardiovascular outcomes, the study challenges traditional boundaries between dental and medical care. The findings suggest that inflammation reduction through oral hygiene might be a previously underappreciated factor in stroke prevention.
While the study shows correlation rather than causation, the strength of the associations and the 25-year duration of follow-up lend credibility to the findings. The research team emphasized that flossing should complement, not replace, other proven stroke prevention strategies. As cardiovascular diseases remain leading causes of death globally, even modest risk reductions through accessible interventions could have substantial population-level impacts. The study's methodology and results contribute to growing evidence connecting oral health to systemic conditions.
