Flossing Daily May Lower Heart Disease, Stroke, and AFib Risk

Flossing May Help Reduce Stroke and Heart Disease Risk

According to the latest data from the American Heart Association (AHA), cardiovascular disease, including stroke, remains the leading cause of death in the United States.

Preventing heart disease often involves lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. However, a lesser-known tool for heart health may already be in your bathroom—dental floss.

Flossing is an essential part of good oral hygiene, but new research suggests it may also benefit heart and brain health. Studies have found that people who floss regularly have a lower risk of certain types of strokes and atrial fibrillation (AFib). These findings are being presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2025.

Dr. Souvik Sen, a neurology expert from Prisma Health Richland Hospital and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, explains that gum disease and cavities are already known risk factors for heart attacks and strokes. Since flossing helps prevent these conditions, it may also lower the chances of stroke.

“Our research indicates that regular flossing can reduce stroke risk, and the more frequently you floss, the greater the benefits,” Dr. Sen told Healthline.

Flossing Linked to Lower Stroke and AFib Risk

A new study suggests that flossing may help reduce the risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common type of irregular heartbeat.

Researchers analyzed data from over 6,000 people who participated in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, which has been ongoing since 1987. This study examines how different lifestyle factors affect the narrowing of arteries.

Dr. Souvik Sen and his team focused on whether flossing alone, separate from other oral care habits like brushing and dentist visits, had any impact on heart and brain health.

Study Findings on Flossing and Stroke Risk

Among the participants, 65% (about 4,092 people) reported flossing regularly. Over a 25-year period, 434 participants had strokes, with 97 of them experiencing a specific type called a cardioembolic stroke, which happens when a blood clot moves from the heart to the brain.

The results showed:

• 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke (caused by blocked blood flow to the brain) among those who flossed.
• 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke in regular flossers.
• 12% lower risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib), which is a major cause of cardioembolic strokes.

The Role of Inflammation and Future Research

Dr. Rod Passman, director of the Center for Arrhythmia Research at Northwestern University, noted that inflammation plays a key role in the development of AFib. He emphasized the need for more research to understand the connection between flossing and heart health.

However, he also pointed out a limitation of the study: since flossing habits were self-reported, there is a possibility that people who floss regularly may also follow other heart-healthy habits that weren’t accounted for in the study.

Despite these limitations, the findings highlight the potential benefits of flossing—not just for oral health but also for reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular conditions.

The Connection Between Oral Health, Inflammation, and Heart Disease

Scientists are still exploring how flossing may help lower stroke risk, but they believe inflammation plays a key role in heart disease.

Dr. Souvik Sen explains that oral health habits, including flossing, are linked to inflammation and the hardening of arteries. He suggests that flossing may reduce stroke risk by preventing oral infections, lowering inflammation, and promoting other healthy behaviors.

How Gum Disease May Affect Heart Health

Periodontitis, a gum disease caused by chronic inflammation, has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Research suggests that maintaining good oral hygiene—such as brushing and flossing—may help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

This week, scientists presented new findings on oral health, gut bacteria, and stroke risk at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference.

The Role of Gut Bacteria in Stroke Risk

Dr. Shuichi Tonomura, a neurologist at Japan’s National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, discovered a potential connection between the bacteria Streptococcus anginosus and stroke.

This bacteria is commonly found in the mouth and gut. However, researchers found that stroke survivors had higher amounts of Streptococcus anginosus in their gut, suggesting a link between the bacteria and both stroke risk and poor recovery outcomes, including death.

Dr. Tonomura suggests that analyzing gut bacteria could become a useful tool for assessing stroke risk and recovery. He also believes that targeting harmful bacteria through proper oral care may help lower stroke risk.

Flossing as a Simple Prevention Method

Both Dr. Tonomura and Dr. Sen’s research highlight the complex relationship between oral health and heart disease. Their findings open the door for further studies on how oral bacteria impact stroke risk.

Dr. Sen believes that flossing is an easy and affordable way to improve oral health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

“Regular flossing could be a simple and cost-effective habit to help prevent strokes,” he said.

Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death in the United States, with nearly 1 million deaths recorded in 2022, according to the American Heart Association’s (AHA) 2025 annual report.

To put this into perspective, one person dies from CVD every 34 seconds in the U.S.

According to Dr. Latha P. Palaniappan, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at Stanford Medicine, heart disease has remained the leading cause of death in the U.S. for more than a century.

CVD causes more deaths than cancer and accidental deaths (such as drug overdoses and car accidents) combined, making it the most significant health risk today.

How to Protect Your Heart

Making healthy lifestyle choices can significantly lower the risk of heart disease. Dr. Palaniappan recommends following the AHA’s “Life’s Essential 8” guidelines for better heart health:

• Maintain a nutritious diet – Prioritize whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

• Stay physically active – Regular exercise helps strengthen the heart.
• Avoid tobacco – Smoking increases heart disease risk; quitting can greatly benefit heart health.
• Prioritize sleep – Poor sleep is linked to high blood pressure and heart disease.
• Keep a healthy weight – Carrying extra weight increases stress on the heart.

• Keep cholesterol in check – High cholesterol can lead to artery blockages.
• Regulate blood sugar levels – Uncontrolled blood sugar increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
• Monitor blood pressure – High blood pressure is a major cause of heart attacks and strokes.

By adopting these habits, you can take proactive steps to improve your heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Key Takeaways

• Cardiovascular disease, including stroke, is the leading cause of death in the U.S.
• Lifestyle choices, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, are crucial in reducing heart disease risk.
• New research suggests that poor oral health may be linked to cardiovascular disease.
• Flossing and maintaining good oral hygiene could help lower the risk of conditions like AFib and stroke.
• Flossing is a simple and cost-effective habit that may support better heart health.