"A recent global health report revealed that oral diseases- such as untreated tooth decay and gum disease- affected 3.5 billion people in 2022, making them the most widespread health conditions," said lead author of the study, Souvik Sen, M.D., M. S., M.P.H, chair of the Department of Neurology, Prisma Health Richland Hospital and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia, South Carolina, in a press release.
"We aimed to determine which oral hygiene behavior- dental flossing, brushing or regular dentist visits- has the greatest impact on stroke prevention," he continued.
For the study, researchers analyzed data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, which included a questionnaire asking over 6,000 people about their use of dental floss. Of those who reported flossing, 4,092 had not experienced stroke, and 4,050 had not been diagnosed with AFib.
Participants also provided information on factors including blood pressure, diabetes, smoking status, regular brushing, and dental visits. During a 25-year follow-up period, 434 participants had a stroke, and 1,291 participants experienced AFib.
Ultimately, the analysis found that flossing was linked to a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke, a 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke, and a 12% lower risk of AFib. The association was independent of regular brushing and routine dental visits, as well as other oral hygiene behaviors.
The researchers further found that higher rates of flossing were linked to a higher chance of stroke risk reduction, and that flossing was linked to a lower chance of cavities and periodontal disease.
The study has some limitations. For example, as it is yet to be published, it should still undergo peer-review. Other limitations include that data was based on answers to a questionnaire, and that the 25-year follow-up primarily focused on stroke and heart outcomes as opposed to flossing and other oral behaviors as well.
"This study offers more insights into the specific dental health behaviors that may be linked to stroke risks and potential risk reduction. With further research, dental health practices could possibly be incorporated into the "Life's Essential 8" risk factors, which include diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep, body mass index, blood pressure, blood glucose and blood lipids," said Daniel T. Lackland, Dr.P.H., FAHA, American Heart Association EPI, Stroke Council member and professor of epidemiology at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, not involved in the study, in a press release.
Sources: Science Daily, American Heart Association
