How This One Daily Habit Can Cut Your Stroke Risk by 44%

Feb 21, 2025by Oskar Thorvaldsson

How This One Daily Habit Can Cut Your Stroke Risk by 44%

When we think about preventing strokes, habits like maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and monitoring blood pressure likely come to mind. While these are undeniably critical, new research indicates that an often overlooked hygiene habit—flossing—could play a substantial role in reducing stroke risk. Yes, something as simple as flossing your teeth can potentially lower your stroke risk by up to 44%.

This is groundbreaking news for health enthusiasts who want to take actionable steps to protect their cardiovascular wellbeing. Here’s what the research reveals and why flossing should join the ranks of essential daily habits for better health.

Flossing and Stroke Prevention: The Science

According to a preliminary study presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference in 2025, consistent flossing shows significant potential to lower stroke risk. The study, led by Dr. Souvik Sen at Prisma Health Richland Hospital and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, involved data from over 6,000 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study—a long-term project that evaluates cardiovascular risk factors.

Participants reported their dental hygiene routines, including how often they flossed, brushed, and visited the dentist. After a follow-up period of 25 years, 434 participants had experienced strokes caused by various factors like large artery clots, cardioembolic events (clots originating in the heart), and small vessel disease.

Here are some of the key findings:

Flossing reduced the likelihood of cardioembolic strokes by 44%.

Flossing decreased the risk of ischemic strokes (caused by blood clots reducing brain blood flow) by 22%.

Flossing was also linked to a modest 12% reduction in the risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib), a condition that increases stroke likelihood.

These benefits remained significant even when adjusted for other oral hygiene practices, such as brushing or attending routine dental cleanings. Importantly, the data suggests that the more frequently participants flossed, the lower their stroke risk became.

Why Flossing Works

The connection between oral hygiene and cardiovascular health lies in the role of inflammation. Flossing helps remove food debris and prevent the buildup of bacteria between your teeth, a common breeding ground for inflammation. When such bacteria are left unchecked, they can enter your bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation and creating an environment conducive to the formation of blood clots.

Chronic gum disease, characterized by persistent inflammation, is similarly linked to poor cardiovascular health and an increased risk of events like strokes and heart attacks. By flossing regularly, you can not only maintain oral hygiene but also reduce the inflammatory burden on your body, effectively lowering stroke risk.

Why Oral Hygiene Is a Cornerstone of Cardiovascular Health

Good oral hygiene has long been associated with better overall health, but this study underscores its specific impact on cardiovascular disease prevention. Cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, remain the leading global cause of death, with over 795,000 people in the U.S. alone experiencing a stroke annually. Adding flossing to your routine is an affordable, accessible way to mitigate your risk.

Dr. William Shutze, a vascular surgeon and secretary of the Society for Vascular Surgery, emphasizes the importance of these findings, stating that flossing provides another practical tool for reducing blood clots and preventing strokes. While the study requires peer-reviewed validation, its initial results are promising.

Flossing Done Right

Eager to add flossing to your routine? Here’s how to do it correctly to maximize its health benefits:

Choose the Right Floss

Unwaxed floss works much better than waxed floss and doesn't contain Forever Chemicals

Floss Brands to Avoid Containing PFAS:

Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Deep Clean Floss, Solimo (Amazon) Extra Comfort Mint Dental Flos,s Colgate Total Mint Waxed Dental Floss, Up & Up (Target) Smooth Slide Floss, Mint Burst Refillable Dental Floss Juniper & Berry **Colgate Total Mint Waxed Dental Floss EcoRoots Bamboo Floss Listerine Reach Ultraclean Floss,

**Oral B Glide Pro-Health Deep Clean Floss (This product is quite possibly 24% PFAS!!!!!!) **Solimo (Amazon) Extra Comfort Mint Dental Floss RiseWell Scrubby Floss Rite Aid Premium Waxed Dental Floss **Up & Up (Target) Smooth Slide Floss Mint Wellnesse 100% Biodegradable Silk Peppermint Floss.

Best Dental Floss Brands and Types

According to Dr. Solorio, a highly experienced holistic dentist serving San Diego, CA and Tiajuana Mexico, the best forms of dental floss are made out of cotton or silk. He said that after testing for toxic chemicals, the Desert Essence brand of dental floss contained no contaminants. Some other brands he recommends are: Dr. Tang and GUM, which has different unwaxed versions.

Some top brands made of natural fibers:

Floss Before Brushing

Research suggests that flossing before brushing can enhance cleaning efficiency by allowing fluoride from your toothpaste to reach areas previously blocked by plaque. Make it a habit to floss before you brush for optimal results.

Brush Like an Expert

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and spend at least two minutes brushing all teeth surfaces. Be gentle along the gumline to avoid irritation or enamel damage. Pair your brushing with fluoride toothpaste to bolster your enamel and prevent cavities.

Regular Dental Visits

Visiting your dentist for routine cleanings and checkups will ensure early detection of issues like gum disease. Good dental care complements your flossing routine, making your preventive efforts even more effective.

Additional Lifestyle Considerations for Stroke Prevention

Watch What You Eat

Limit sugary snacks and drinks that fuel harmful bacteria in your mouth. Instead, opt for nutrient-dense foods like crunchy fruits and vegetables (e.g., apples, celery, and carrots), which naturally clean your teeth and promote saliva production.

Stay Active

Exercise not only supports cardiovascular health but also improves blood circulation. Even moderate activity like walking for 30 minutes daily can reduce stroke risk.

Monitor Health Metrics

Pay attention to metrics like blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels, as these are critical to preventing clots and reducing inflammation. Combine this proactive health monitoring with flossing to stack your preventive efforts.

The Bigger Picture

While flossing is only one piece of the puzzle in stroke prevention, it’s an easy and impactful one. This simple habit supports oral health while addressing one of the leading contributors to strokes—inflammation. The best part? It's cost-effective and takes just minutes of your day.

Adopting flossing as a daily routine could significantly impact your long-term health. For those wondering whether small changes can lead to significant benefits, the results speak for themselves. Flossing is more than just hygiene; it’s a preventive health tool.

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US Phone: 619-308-7830 | Mx Phone: (664) 685 3973 | Email: dentalsoloriovaldivia@gmail.com

References

Sen, S., et al. "Oral Hygiene and Stroke Risk Reduction." American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference Proceedings, 2025.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "Stroke Facts." [https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm](https://www.cdc.gov/stroke/facts.htm). Accessed January 2025.