Reducing Your Chance of Suffering a Stroke could Benefit from Regular Flossing.
Flossing daily might just be the secret weapon for boosting your heart health and lowering your stroke risk. Recent studies, including one led by scientists from the University of South Carolina, indicate that regular flossing could reduce your chances of stroke by quite a bit.
According to the research, flossers were significantly less likely to suffer from strokes caused by a blood clot originating from the heart. They also had a 12% lower risk of developing an irregular heartbeat, a potential risk factor for various cardiovascular issues, including strokes.
The connection between oral health and cardiovascular well-being isn't new. Studies have consistently shown that individuals with gum disease are more prone to carry bacteria that could cause inflammation and potentially travel to other parts of the body, including the heart and its nearby blood vessels. In extreme cases, these bacteria can lead to heart infections or valve infections, especially in those with pre-existing heart conditions.
The researchers analyzed data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, which has been monitoring cardiovascular health since 1985. They found that flossing was associated with a 22% reduced risk of ischemic stroke, the most common type of stroke. The lower risk was primarily due to a 44% decrease in cardioembolic strokes, which are caused by a blood clot originating from the heart.
But it's important to note that these observations don't necessarily prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Additionally, the study did not track flossing habits over time, which could affect the evaluation of any potential benefits from flossing. More research is needed to fully understand the exact advantages of good oral health and regular flossing on our heart and brain.
However, taking care of our oral health by flossing daily is undoubtedly beneficial on its own. It's an easy, affordable, and accessible practice that roughly 30-40% of Americans currently don't follow daily. Lead researcher Souvik Sen emphasized the accessibility of flossing, saying, "Many people have expressed that dental care is costly. Flossing is a healthy habit that is easy to adopt, affordable, and accessible everywhere."
In a nutshell, while more research is needed, flossing daily could potentially play a significant role in reducing stroke risk as part of a comprehensive cardiovascular health routine. So, even if flossing sounds like a chore, consider making it a regular part of your daily routine to support your heart health.
The advancement of technology in the medical field might allow for more accurate and comprehensive studies on the link between flossing and heart health in the future. Embracing tech trends, such as wearable health devices and digital health records, could enhance our understanding of personal health habits and their impacts on various health conditions, including stroke risk.
