New research has revealed that regularly flossing your teeth lowers the risk of certain heart conditions such as strokes and irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation or AFib).
According to Heart.org, findings from a new study presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference in Los Angeles showed that people who flossed their teeth once a week reduced the risk of stroke caused by blood clots or irregular heart rhythm (AFib).
Lead researcher, Dr. Souvik Sen, stated, “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. Dental flossing reduces oral infections and gum disease, which are linked to inflammation.” Since inflammation increases the risk of stroke, “it would make sense that if people flossed regularly, it might also reduce the risk of stroke and AFib.”
The study, which included 6,278 participants, also found no connection between flossing and thrombotic or lacunar strokes but found a link to other types of strokes.
Dr. Karen Furie, neurologist-in-chief at Brown University Health, who was not involved in the study, commented, “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, which, if not removed, could inflame the gums and contribute to a systemic inflammatory state that might affect the health of the blood vessels.”
Furthermore, the study showed that people who flossed regularly had a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke, a 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke, and a 12% lower risk of AFib.
