Cerebrovascular accident (CVA), myocardial infarction… Cardiovascular diseases are the second cause of death in France, after cancer. However, if you are at risk, you can take action by adopting good oral hygiene habits, including daily flossing.
A new study, which will be presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2025 (February 5-7 in Los Angeles, United States), suggests that flossing could reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation and stroke.
Maintain good oral hygiene to limit risks
To reach this conclusion, researchers analyzed data from more than 6,000 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort study, which began in 1987. This study used a detailed questionnaire to assess various lifestyle factors and behaviors related to atherosclerosis.
Reduced risk of stroke thanks to dental floss
Researchers studied the association between flossing, independent of tooth brushing and dental visits, and cardiovascular disease.
Results :
- 4,092 volunteers reported using dental floss;
- Over 25 years of follow-up, 434 participants suffered a stroke, including 97 cases of cardioembolic type (where a blood clot migrates from the heart to the brain).
Compared to participants who did not floss, those who did showed:
- 22% reduction in ischemic stroke risk;
- 44% reduction in the risk of cardioembolic stroke;
- 12% reduction in the risk of atrial fibrillation.
Oral pathologies: risk factors for stroke and heart attack
Why could flossing influence cardiovascular health? Professor Souvik Sen, neurologist and lead author of the study, interviewed by Healthlineexplain :
“We know that gum disease and cavities are risk factors for stroke and heart attack. We also know that flossing reduces the rate of heart attacks. Our research now suggests that it may also reduce the risk of stroke, and that the more frequently it is used, the greater this effect.”
A possible link between inflammation and heart disease
The precise mechanism by which flossing reduces the risk of stroke remains to be determined, but researchers hypothesize that inflammation may play a role.
“Flossing May Lower Stroke Risk by Reducing Oral Infections and Inflammation, While Promoting Other Healthy Habits“, specifies Professor Sen. However, he qualifies: studies based on self-declarations have limits. People using dental floss could also adopt other behaviors beneficial for cardiovascular health, which are not necessarily measured in the study.
That said, there are no downsides to flossing. So if it can also protect your heart, why deprive yourself of it?