The Daily News – May 19, 2025

New research suggests that flossing regularly could help prevent a stroke, and the reason comes down to inflammation. One doctor explains it this way. We knew that flossing regularly lowers inflammation and reduces oral infection, but now we know it also reduces the risk of stroke, atrial fibrillation and cardio embolic. Stroke flossing is a cheap and easy habit, but according to researchers, it could be a crucial primary prevention strategy, especially for people in rural areas who have less access to dental care. Researchers followed over 6,000 participants for more than 25 years. As part of the study, they track participants’ oral hygiene habits, which included flossing frequency and monitored them for stroke and atrial fibrillation, which is a common heart rhythm disorder linked to stroke. And here’s what they found. Those who flossed at least once a week had a significantly lower risk of stroke, particularly cardio embolic stroke, which occurs when a clot from the heart blocks blood flow to the brain, even after adjusting. For factors like regular toothbrushing, dentist visits, uh, smoking, and even overall heart health, flossers still had a 21% lower risk of stroke, a 44% lower risk of cardio embolic stroke, and a 12% lower risk of atrial fibrillation compared to non flossers. So how does flossing help prevent stroke? Well, one major factor, inflammation, one plaque and bacteria build up between the teeth and along the gum line. It can lead to gum disease. And gum disease isn’t just a mouth problem. It triggers chronic inflammation throughout the entire body. This study suggests that reducing gum inflammation through flossing may help lower the risk of atrial fibrillation, which in turn decreases the likelihood of cardio embolic strokes. What’s especially striking here is that these benefits were completely independent of brushing or dentist visits. In other words, flossing itself appears to have a protective effect on cardiovascular health. And epidemiologists. Commenting on the research summed it up this way. This study adds to growing evidence that oral hygiene isn’t just about dental health. It could be a critical factor in reducing cardiovascular disease risk. So according to Medscape, something as simple as flossing regularly could reduce your risk of stroke. If you found this information helpful, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell for more updates. As always, thank you so much for joining us on The Daily News, and we will see you next time.