Weekly Dental Flossing Could Reduce Stroke and Heart Rhythm Risks, Study Suggests

Regular dental flossing could reduce the risk of stroke from blood clots by 44% and lower the chance of developing atrial fibrillation by 12%, according to preliminary research to be presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2025.

The study, which followed more than 6,000 participants over 25 years, found that flossing at least once per week was associated with a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke, independent of other oral hygiene practices. These findings are particularly significant as oral diseases affected 3.5 billion people globally in 2022, making them the most common health conditions worldwide.

The research gains additional importance as projections indicate more than 12 million Americans will have atrial fibrillation by 2030. Dr. Souvik Sen, the study's lead author and chair of the Department of Neurology at Prisma Health Richland Hospital, suggests that flossing may reduce stroke risk by lowering oral infections and inflammation.

While the study's findings are preliminary and based on questionnaire responses, they point to a potentially simple and cost-effective method for reducing cardiovascular risks. The research could have broad implications for public health strategies, particularly in communities where access to dental care is limited or costly.

The study's results suggest that increasing flossing frequency may lead to greater stroke risk reduction and is also associated with lower rates of cavities and periodontal disease. These findings could influence future health guidelines and potentially lead to the inclusion of dental health practices in established cardiovascular risk assessment frameworks.