This Dental Hygiene Step Has Been Linked To Better Heart Health, But 69% Of Us Skip It

Did you know that gum disease has been linked to worse heart health?Harvard Health says we aren’t sure whether the link exists because the same bacteria that affect the connective tissue also get into people’s hearts, or if inflammation is the problem. They also suggest that the issue might lie in a lifestyle factor like smoking, which affects both your gum and heart health. So perhaps it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that one of the best methods to protect the tissue was the focus of a preliminary study presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2025. The study’s lead author, neurology department head Dr Souvik Sen, says that one dental hygiene practice may have surprising heart health benefits; the catch is that 31% of Brits admit they don’t do it regularly.Flossing was linked to reduced stroke risk Though only 31% of Brits say they floss their teeth most days, Dr Sen’s preliminary data might change some of our minds. He shared with Science Direct that flossing was linked to a 22% lower chance of ischemic stroke (when blood flow to the brain is blocked), a 44% lower chance of cardioembolic stroke (a blood clot to the brain), and a 12% lower risk of atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm). That benefit appeared independently of brushing and/or regular dental visits, and the more often people flossed, the better the benefits seemed to be. Perhaps unsurprisingly, flossing was also associated with less gum disease and cavities (both of which have been associated with poor heart health). “Oral health behaviours are linked to inflammation and artery hardening. Flossing may reduce stroke risk by lowering oral infections and inflammation and encouraging other healthy habits,” Dr Sen told Science Direct.“Many people have expressed that dental care is costly. Flossing is a healthy habit that is easy to adopt, affordable and accessible everywhere.”With that said, these results are preliminary. And flossing alone won’t get rid of heart health issues that are caused by ignoring more established advice, like eating well, staying active, not smoking, and not drinking too much alcohol.How should I floss?Dental experts say that you should avoid simply popping floss in and out of the gaps between your teeth.Instead, you should pull the tape up and slightly under your gum line in a C-shape. The NHS says eight to ten up-and-down strokes per tooth is ideal.Dental tape or string floss may give better results than floss picks, and those who are prone to developing cavities may benefit from running fluoridated toothpaste along the length of the floss before using it.This study’s early results may not be enough to definitively say whether the practice prevents stroke, but the NHS advises it for your oral health – do it for your gums if nothing else.Related...You're Probably Not Flossing Your Teeth Deep EnoughUse Dental Picks Over String Floss? We Have Bad NewsUse A Water Flosser Over String Floss? This Dentist Has Bad News

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