Scientists discovered that a common hygiene habit millions of Americans overlook could prevent you from having a str0ke.
We should know how important good hygiene habits are, not just for our health, but for the sake of those we come into contact with on a daily basis too.
A preliminary research to be presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2025, has found that practicing a particular dental habit just once a week may be connected to a lower risk of str0ke, led to a bl00d clot blocking brain blood flow and irregular heartbeats.
The habit sparks discussion – an important part of your dental care routine which not everyone adopts.
In fact, some 83 million adults in the US skip flossing, as per the National Institute of Health, with about 68 percent of people flossing at least once weekly.
The study found that if people who regularly floss their teeth – one or more times per week may lower their risk of stroke caused by a blood clot traveling from the heart, and a stroke related with an irregular heartbeat such as atrial fibrillation.
“We aimed to determine which oral hygiene behavior — dental flossing, brushing or regular dentist visits — has the greatest impact on stroke prevention.”
Some 6,000 peoples’ home dental routines were recorded in the study.
Acording the study, 4,092 had not suffered a str0ke, and 4,050 had not been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation.
Participants were examined about their health history, including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, body mass index, education, regular brushing and dentist visits.
“Oral health behaviors are linked to inflammation and artery hardening. Flossing may reduce stroke risk by lowering oral infections and inflammation and encouraging other healthy habits,” Sen said.
“Many people have expressed that dental care is costly.”
“Flossing is a healthy habit that is easy to adopt, affordable and accessible everywhere.”
