Doctor Uncovers Fingernail Sign That Might Predict How Much Time You Have Left

Is there a small habit that could potentially play a crucial role in preventing strokes? 

It sounds almost too simple to be true — a common hygiene practice that takes less than a minute and is often skipped could quietly be guarding you against one of the leading causes of death in the u.S.

Millions of americans overlook it every day, yet scientists now say this overlooked ritual may hold the power to significantly reduce your risk of a life-threatening stroke. What’s even more astonishing? It’s likely that you already possess all the necessary items for the task in your bathroom drawer. 

Researchers discover an overlooked hygiene practice that could potentially reduce the risk of stroke. 

Good hygiene isn’t just essential for our personal health — it also helps protect those we interact with every day. Recent research has uncovered that a widespread dental habit, frequently overlooked by millions of Americans, could potentially lower the risk of stroke. 

Preliminary findings set to be presented at the american stroke association’s international stroke conference 2025 suggest that engaging in one specific dental practice just once a week could be linked to a lower risk of strokes caused by blood clots and irregular heart rhythms.

The research brings attention to the importance of flossing — a crucial aspect of dental care that is often overlooked by many individuals. According to the national institutes of health, approximately 83 million adults in the United States choose not to floss, and only about 68% of them floss at least once a week. 

Researchers found that people who floss one or more times weekly may have a reduced risk of strokes caused by blood clots traveling from the heart or those associated with atrial fibrillation, a common heart rhythm disorder. 

‘we wanted to determine which oral hygiene habits — such as flossing, brushing, or visiting the dentist — have the most significant impact on preventing strokes,’ the study’s lead researcher explained 

The research examined the oral hygiene practices of approximately 6,000 participants. Among the participants, 4,092 had not suffered from a stroke, and 4,050 had not been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. In addition to collecting data on participants’ medical history, researchers also gathered information on their lifestyle factors, such as smoking habits, weight, education level, brushing habits, and frequency of dental visits.

‘oral hygiene is connected to inflammation and the hardening of arteries,’ stated lead author dr Engaging in regular flossing may help lower the risk of stroke by reducing oral infections and inflammation, while also encouraging other healthy habits. 

Dr. Sen also recognized that the expense of dental care is a worry for many individuals, but stressed that flossing is a straightforward, inexpensive, and easily accessible practice. 

Result: 

This groundbreaking research underscores the significant link between oral hygiene and overall cardiovascular health, underscoring that a simple act like flossing once a week can have a substantial impact on reducing the risk of stroke. With millions of americans neglecting this easy, low-cost habit, the findings serve as an important reminder: taking a few extra moments to care for your teeth could not only improve your dental health but may also protect your heart and brain in the long run. As Dr. Sen emphasized, flossing is a simple and cost-effective habit that can be easily incorporated into everyone’s routine to promote a healthier future.