05/17/2026
Flossing may do more than protect your teeth and gums — new research suggests it could also be linked to a lower risk of certain types of stroke and an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation (AFib).
Researchers followed more than 6,000 adults for 25 years and found that people who flossed at least once a week had a lower risk of ischemic stroke, especially cardioembolic stroke — a type caused by blood clots traveling from the heart to the brain.
The study also found a lower risk of AFib among regular flossers. AFib is a common heart rhythm disorder that can increase stroke risk.
Scientists believe one possible reason is inflammation. Poor oral health and gum disease can trigger chronic inflammation in the body, which may affect blood vessels and heart health over time.
Compared to non-flossers, regular flossers showed:
• 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke
• 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke
• 12% lower risk of AFib
Researchers also noted that flossing alone is not enough to prevent stroke, but it may be one small part of an overall healthy lifestyle alongside proper diet, exercise, blood pressure control, sleep, and good oral hygiene.
Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body more than many people realize.
📄 Source: American Heart Association News. Research presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2025.
