Scientists reckon a common hygiene habit millions of Americans overlook could prevent you from having a stroke.
We all know how important good hygiene habits are, not just for our health, but for the sake of those we come into contact with on a daily basis too.
But a preliminary study to be presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2025, has found practicing a particular dental habit just once a week may be linked to a lower risk of stroke, caused by a blood clot blocking brain blood flow and irregular heartbeats.
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The habit in question is flossing - an important part of your dental care routine which not everyone adopts.
In fact, some 83 million adults in the US skip flossing, as per the National Institute of Health, with about 68 percent of people flossing at least once weekly.
The study found that people who regularly floss their teeth - one or more times per week - may lower their risk of stroke caused by a blood clot traveling from the heart, and a stroke associated with an irregular heartbeat such as atrial fibrillation.
Study lead author Souvik Sen, chair of the Department of Neurology, Prisma Health Richland Hospital and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, South Carolina, said: “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.
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"We aimed to determine which oral hygiene behavior — dental flossing, brushing or regular dentist visits — has the greatest impact on stroke prevention.”
Some 6,000 peoples' home dental routines were examined for the study.
Among those who reported flossing, 4,092 had not experienced a stroke, and 4,050 had not been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation.
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Participants were asked about their health history, including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, body mass index, education, regular brushing and dentist visits.
During the 25 years of follow-up, 434 participants were identified as having strokes, of which 147 were larger artery brain clots, 97 were heart-driven clots and 95 were hardening of the smaller arteries. Additionally, 1,291 participants were noted to have experienced AFib.
“Oral health behaviors are linked to inflammation and artery hardening. Flossing may reduce stroke risk by lowering oral infections and inflammation and encouraging other healthy habits,” Sen said. “Many people have expressed that dental care is costly.
"Flossing is a healthy habit that is easy to adopt, affordable and accessible everywhere.”
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It's one to think about when you next think of skipping the floss...
Ellie Kemp