A recent study presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2025 suggests that regular flossing may contribute to better heart health and a reduced risk of stroke. The research analyzed data from over 6,000 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort study, which began in 1987 and includes a 25-year follow-up period. Approximately 65% of the cohort reported incorporating flossing into their daily routine.
The study's findings are significant, as cardiovascular disease, including stroke, remains the leading cause of death in the United States. This condition claims more lives than all forms of cancer and accidental death combined. During the study, 434 participants experienced strokes, with 97 identified as cardioembolic strokes.
Flossing is widely recognized for its dental benefits, but emerging evidence suggests it also plays a role in cardiovascular health. The ongoing analysis utilized a comprehensive questionnaire to assess various lifestyle factors affecting atherosclerosis, or the narrowing of arteries. Researchers found an apparent association between the presence of the bacteria Streptococcus anginosus and stroke risk.
Dr. Shuichi Tonomura, the lead researcher and staff physician at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center in Osaka, Japan, noted the importance of these findings in understanding heart health. “We have known that gum disease and dental caries are risk factors for stroke and heart attack. Flossing is already known to reduce the rate of heart attack,” said Dr. Souvik Sen, chair of the Department of Neurology at Prisma Health Richland Hospital.
The study's corresponding author, Dr. Latha P. Palaniappan, emphasized the seriousness of cardiovascular disease. “Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, a trend that has persisted for over a century,” she stated.
However, experts have cautioned about the limitations of self-reported data in studies like this. Dr. Rod Passman from Northwestern University commented on potential confounders: “Studies like this are limited by the self-reporting and the potential for confounders — do people who floss also engage in other activities that may be good for their heart that may not be measured in the study.”
As awareness grows about the connection between oral health and overall well-being, researchers express interest in further investigation into inflammation's role in atrial fibrillation (AFib). “There is an increasing awareness of the role of inflammation in the development of AFib and it will be interesting to have more research into this association and, if true, the potential mechanism,” added Dr. Passman.
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