Researchers have long noted that bacteria responsible for gum disease increase the likelihood of a potentially deadly issue: stroke. These bacteria also contribute to the development of diabetes and hypertension.
A team of researchers from the University of South Carolina discovered that individuals who used dental floss for 25 years had a 21 percent lower risk of ischemic stroke compared to those who neglected this practice. Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, resulting from a lack of blood flow to the brain, leading to hypoxia and tissue death.
The risk of cardioembolic stroke, caused by a ruptured blood vessel, decreased by a staggering 44 percent over the same period.
How Did Researchers Uncover the Link Between Dental Flossing and Stroke?
The study, which spanned 25 years, involved 6,278 residents of the United States. All participants reported their oral hygiene habits, with 65 percent of volunteers stating they regularly used dental floss.
During the study period, strokes were recorded in 434 individuals: 147 had thrombotic strokes, 97 had cardioembolic strokes, and 95 had other subtypes.
Results presented at the American Stroke Association conference in Los Angeles also revealed that 1,291 participants were diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. This common condition causes rapid heartbeats and can lead to stroke, as reported by the Daily Mail.
The researchers noted, “Individuals who reported flossing their teeth exhibited lower rates of ischemic stroke, cardioembolic stroke, and atrial fibrillation.”
Among those who regularly used dental floss, the risk of developing atrial fibrillation was 12 percent lower.
“Using dental floss reduces the risk of oral infections and gum diseases associated with inflammation. It would be reasonable to suggest that if people regularly used dental floss, it could lower the likelihood of strokes,” the team remarked.
According to the scientists, the study’s findings underscore the importance of oral hygiene, which typically includes brushing teeth twice a day, using dental floss, and visiting the dentist regularly.
Dr. Suvik Sen, a neurology expert at the University of South Carolina and the lead author of the study, stated, “I wouldn’t say that flossing is the only thing you need to do to prevent stroke, but our results indicate that it’s another step toward a healthy lifestyle.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Karen Fury, chair of the neurology department at Brown University (USA), who was not involved in the study, added, “Many people neglect oral hygiene, and I hope this research brings attention to this important aspect of overall health.”
Where Else Is the Threat of Stroke Hidden?
At the same conference, results from a significant study by the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center in Osaka, Japan, were presented. The authors examined 189 patients who had suffered a stroke and 55 patients without a stroke. In the intestines of individuals who had recently experienced a stroke, researchers found anginosus streptococcus, which is linked to various ailments, including cavities.
Over a two-year observation period, scientists discovered that patients with a significant amount of these bacteria in their intestines had a high likelihood of dying or experiencing another serious cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Shuichi Tonomura, the lead author of the study, said, “If there were a quick test to detect harmful bacteria in the mouth and intestines, we could use this information to assess stroke risk.”