The key bathroom habit that could slash risk of stroke by 44%, study finds
WE all know brushing twice a day is key to keeping those pearly whites sparkling.
But new research suggests there’s another bathroom habit that might just be the real game-changer in preventing something even worse than yellow teeth.
People who floss their teeth at least once a week lower their risk of suffering a potentially fatal stroke caused by a blood clot travelling from the heart, US scientists say.
They also reduce the chance of a stroke associated with an irregular heartbeat - such as atrial fibrillation, according to the findings.
Researchers from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine say the benefits of regular flossing may be independent of tooth brushing and other oral hygiene habits.
Study lead author Professor Souvik Sen, said: "A recent global health report revealed that oral diseases - such as untreated tooth decay and gum disease - affected 3.5 billion people in 2022, making them the most widespread health conditions.
Read more on stroke
"We aimed to determine which oral hygiene behaviour - dental flossing, brushing or regular dentist visits - has the greatest impact on stroke prevention."
The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, which began in 1987, assessed the home use of dental floss through a questionnaire of more than 6,000 people.
Among those who reported flossing, 4,092 had not experienced a stroke, and 4,050 had not been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation.
Participants were asked about their status regarding high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, body mass index (BMI), education, regular brushing and dentist visits.
During the 25 years of follow-up, 434 participants were identified as having strokes, of which 147 were larger artery brain clots, 97 were heart-driven clots and 95 were hardening of the smaller arteries. Additionally, 1,291 participants were noted to have experienced AFib.
The analysis found that flossing was associated with a 22 per cent lower risk of ischemic stroke, 44 per cent lower risk of cardioembolic stroke - blood clots travelling from the heart- and 12 per cent lower risk of AFib.
The associated lower risk was independent of regular brushing and routine dental visits or other oral hygiene habits.
Increasing the frequency of flossing had a greater chance of stroke risk reduction, while flossing was also associated with a lower chance of cavities and periodontal disease.
Prof Sen said: "Oral health behaviours are linked to inflammation and artery hardening.
"Flossing may reduce stroke risk by lowering oral infections and inflammation and encouraging other healthy habits."
He added: "Many people have expressed that dental care is costly.
"Flossing is a healthy habit that is easy to adopt, affordable and accessible everywhere."
The findings of the preliminary study are due to be presented at the American Stroke Association's annual International Stroke Conference in Los Angeles next week.
Don't delay... if you spot signs of a stroke dial 999 immediately
By Lizzie Parry, Head of Health
A STROKE is a medical emergency, that's why knowing the signs and symptoms is vital.
It happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, killing off cells. The damage caused can affect how the body works, and the effects depend on where in the brain a stroke strikes.
There are three different types of stroke:
- Ischaemic stroke - where a blockage, like a blood clot, cuts off the blood supply to the brain
- Haemorrhagic stroke - caused by a bleed in or around the brain
- Transient ischaemic attack - also known as a 'mini stroke', this is a big warning sign of a full-blown stroke. It's similar to a stroke but symptoms are shorter lived.
Every stroke is different but they can affect a patient's ability to speak, move, think and feel. They can cause behavioural changes as well as emotional challenges.
They can happen to any of us, regardless of our age. That's why it's important to educate yourself on the warning signs.
The faster you get medical help and treatment, the more likely it is that the damage caused can be reversed and stopped in its tracks.
There's a handy acronym that helps identify the symptoms of a stroke. If you spot these yourself, or in a loved one, do not delay - dial 999 immediately, and tell the call handler you suspect a stroke.
ACT Fast:
- Face weakness - can the person smile? Has their mouth or eye drooped?
- Arm weakness - can the person raise both arms?
- Speech problems - can the person speak clearly and understand what you're saying?
- Time to call 999 - if you see any of these signs, get help.
This test helps spot three key signs, but there are other symptoms to be aware of too.
They include sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, sudden blurred vision or loss of sight, sudden confusion or memory loss, dizziness or a sudden fall and a sudden, severe headache.
When it comes to a stroke, the bottom line is take these symptoms seriously. It may well be something more minor, but it pays to be alert and act fast. Not only could it save your life, but it could save you, or a loved one, from long-term, devastating side effects.
For more information about stroke, visit the Stroke Association or the NHS website. And you can read more from the Sun's Health team on the subject of stroke here.