United States: The annual stroke prevalence in America reaches approximately 795,000 cases, but recent scientific findings indicate that basic healthy habits to care for lower specific stroke types.
More about the news
According to the study lead author Dr. Souvik Sen, “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,” the New York Post reported.
Furthermore, “We aimed to determine which oral hygiene behavior — dental flossing, brushing or regular dentist visits — has the greatest impact on stroke prevention,” as Dr. Sen, the chair of the neurology department at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, added.
Annual flossing frequency of teeth resulted in a 44 percent decrease in cardioembolic stroke risk along with a 22 percent lower ischemic stroke risk and a 12 percent reduced risk for AFib.
Strokes in detail
Almost all strokes happen through the formation of blood clots inside arteries, which block the necessary brain tissue flow, known as ischemic stroke.
The transport of blood clots from the heart through the bloodstream toward the brain results in a cardioembolic stroke, which stops essential brain blood circulation.
Atrial fibrillation (also known as AFib) refers to any abnormal pattern of heart rhythm that may be either too fast, too slow, or irregular. Heart failure and stroke develop, as well as other medical complications, because of this condition.
The American Heart Association predicts the number of American adults suffering from AFib will exceed 12 million by 2030, while the present count stands at more than 5 million.
Flossing reduces stroke risk
As Sen reported, “Oral health behaviors are linked to inflammation and artery hardening,” and “Flossing may reduce stroke risk by lowering oral infections and inflammation and encouraging other healthy habits,” the New York Post.
“Many people have expressed that dental care is costly,” where “Flossing is a healthy habit that is easy to adopt, affordable and accessible everywhere,” he added.
According to survey results, the practice of weekly flossing can help a significant group of 37 percent of Americans who partake in such oral hygiene.
Research shows that forty-one percent of Americans do not floss, while their peers match this statistic. The research relied on questionnaire answers from over 6,200 survey participants who reported their flossing behaviors.
A total of 434 patients developed strokes, and Afib affected 1293 individuals during the 25-year period.
Those who flossed their teeth regularly showed lower risks of experiencing stroke attacks.
The research team from Sen found that stroke risk reduction occurred separately from brush habits, standard dental care, and other oral hygiene routines.
Researchers will present their findings at the 2025 American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference without peer review.