February 10 2025
According to recently published research, maintaining good oral hygiene habits like flossing could be beneficial in reducing the risk of a stroke. Researchers from the U.S. and Korea discovered that people who regularly visit their dentist and get professional cleanings are less likely to have a stroke.
The research, presented at the International Stroke Conference 2022, found that from about 1.3 million study participants, those who received at least one professional dental cleaning per year had a 10% lower risk of stroke than those who never had a cleaning. The impact was even more significant for people who had a cleaning at least twice a year, with their risk reduced by 26%.
These findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that oral health is closely linked to overall health, including heart health. Past research has shown that poor oral health can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The exact mechanisms are not fully understood, but inflammation caused by poor oral health is thought to play a significant role.
While the results of the study offer promising insights, it's important to note that they do not prove that flossing and professional cleanings can directly prevent strokes. The study's authors stressed that their findings only suggest an association, not a cause-and-effect relationship. More research is needed to confirm these results and to better understand the potential link between oral health and stroke risk.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is always recommended, regardless of its potential benefits in reducing stroke risk. Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings can help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
