The Surprising Link Between Flossing and Cardiovascular Health

Reducing Stroke Risk with Daily Flossing

A little flossing may go a long way for your cardiovascular health. Recent research suggests that daily flossing can noticeably reduce people’s risk from stroke. Scientists at the University of South Carolina and other institutions conducted the research, which analyzed data from a previous and long-running study of potential risk factors tied to cardiovascular disease.

The Connection Between Oral Health and Heart Health

Studies have consistently shown over the years that our oral health is connected to the health of our heart and cardiovascular system. People with gum disease, for instance, seem more likely to carry bacteria that could cause inflammation if they travel elsewhere in the body, including the heart and its nearby blood vessels. These traveling bacteria can sometimes also directly cause severe infections of the heart or its valves, especially in people with pre-existing heart issues.

The Study’s Findings

The researchers of this current study wanted to look more closely at the relationship between oral hygiene habits like flossing and stroke risk. They analyzed data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, which has been tracking the cardiovascular health of participants since 1985. At the start of the project, volunteers were asked a variety of questions about their lifestyle habits and potential risk factors, including whether they flossed.

Key Results

All told, flossing was associated with a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke (the most common kind of stroke), which was primarily driven by a 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke, or a stroke caused by a blood clot that began in the heart. To their surprise, flossers were also 12% less likely to develop an irregular heartbeat, a risk factor for other cardiovascular issues, including stroke. Importantly, a risk reduction was seen even when the researchers accounted for related healthy behaviors like teeth-brushing, indicating that flossing alone can promote good cardiovascular health.

Expert Insights

“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,” lead researcher Souvik Sen said in a statement provided by the American Heart Association.

Limitations and Future Research

These sort of studies can only show a correlation between any two things, not a direct cause-and-effect link. The study also didn’t track whether people continued to floss as they grew older, which could affect the calculation of any potential advantages from it. So more research is needed to quantify the exact benefits that good oral health and flossing can provide for our heart and brain.

The Importance of Flossing

But keeping our mouths healthy and disease-free is already worthwhile on its own. And as much of an annoyance as flossing might be sometimes, it’s ultimately a low-cost and important practice that more of us should add to our daily routine. Past studies have suggested that only around 30% to 40% of Americans floss daily.

Making Flossing a Priority

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