Can daily flossing reduce your stroke risk? Here are takeaways from a new study

The study’s aim was to determine which oral hygiene behaviour — dental flossing, brushing or regular dentist visits —- had the greatest impact on stroke prevention.

What the study showed

More than 6,000 people were surveyed via questionnaire regarding their home use of dental floss over a 25-year period. In addition, participants were asked about blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, body mass index, education, brushing habits, and dental visits. According to the study, after 25 years, 434 patients had developed a stroke. Of these strokes, 147 were triggered by larger artery brain clots, 97 occurred due to blood clots that developed in the heart and 95 resulted from clots in small blood vessels in the brain.

Why dental flossing equals low risk of stroke

Dr Bibhakar Ranjan(not associated with the study), a noted dental surgeon based in Bonn, Germany, explains why flossing is better for heart health than using toothpicks to clean trapped food particles. “Not only does it clean the area between the two teeth which are often left behind or difficult to clean by a simple toothbrush, it also removes plaque, prevents gum inflammation (gingivitis), fights bad breath and improves oral hygiene,” he says.

Oral infections like gingivitis and periodontitis or any kind of gum inflammation cause the body to release inflammatory markers like C-Reactive protein (CRP), which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. “Oral bacteria can damage the lining of the blood vessels which causes narrowing and hardening of the arteries, thereby increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke,” he adds.

He completely advises against use of a toothpick to remove food lodged between teeth as it injures the gum and with time bleeds often. “This would lead to periodic inflammation. Flossing is a good oral hygiene practice and while not very common across several households, over the years, it is getting better in the younger Indian generation,” says Dr Ranjan.

Don’t skip dental visits

Scientific literature shows that one must visit their dentist at least twice a year to get their teeth professionally cleaned to remove those stubborn plaque and calculus. “If there’s a sign or early gum inflammation or infection then it must be treated without delay,” Dr Ranjan says.

The expert also suggests that a health insurance cover for a dental check-up will motivate people to visit their dentist and avoid inflammation risks. “Only then will people get their teeth regularly checked and treated,” he adds.