Is there a simple habit that could potentially have a significant impact on preventing strokes?Â
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 is even more astonishing? It’s probable that you already have all the required items for the task in your bathroom drawer.Â
Scientists uncover a previously unnoticed hygiene habit that may have the potential to lower the chances of experiencing a stroke.Â
Good hygiene isn’t just essential for our personal health — it also helps protect those we interact with every day. Recent studies have revealed that a common dental habit, often disregarded by millions of Americans, may actually decrease the likelihood of experiencing a stroke.Â
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 study highlights the significance of flossing — a vital component of oral hygiene that is frequently disregarded by numerous people. According to the national institutes of health, around 83 million adults in the united states choose not to floss, and only about 68% of them floss at least once a week.Â
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.Â
‘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 explainedÂ
The study investigated the oral hygiene habits of around 6,000 individuals. Among the participants, 4,092 individuals had not experienced a stroke, and 4,050 had not been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. Alongside collecting data on participants’ medical history, researchers also obtained information on their lifestyle factors, including 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.Â
Dr. Sen acknowledged that the cost of dental care is a concern for many people, but emphasized that flossing is a simple, affordable, and readily available habit.Â
Result::Â
This groundbreaking research highlights the strong connection between oral hygiene and overall cardiovascular health, emphasizing that a simple action like flossing once a week can have a substantial impact on lowering 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 stressed, flossing is a straightforward and affordable habit that can be easily integrated into everyone’s daily routine to ensure a healthier future.