While we used to believe that what happened in our mouths stayed in our mouths (kind of like Las Vegas), research results over the past decade have shown that’s just not so.

The implications of poor oral health are far-reaching and alarming. It’s not just about cavities and bad breath. It’s about potential brain shrinkage, dementia, weakened immune system against viruses, diabetes, and even cancer. These findings should serve as a wake-up call for all of us to take our oral hygiene seriously.

Now, a study reveals one more reason why good oral hygiene is a must: if you want to avoid stroke and atrial fibrillation, you’ve got to floss.

Here are the details…

Reducing artery-hardening infection and inflammation

The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study followed up with more than 6,200 participants for an incredible 25 years – meaning this was no flash-in-the-pan study, but instead one with results you can take to the bank.

What was found was that flossing your teeth at least once a week could help lower the risk of stroke caused by a blood clot blocking brain blood flow, as well as the chance of developing irregular heartbeats.

Overall, the researchers found that flossing just once weekly led to:

• A 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke
• A 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke (blood clots traveling from the heart)
• A 12% lower risk of atrial fibrillation or AFib

And if you think those benefits are impressive, just wait…

According to the researchers, increasing the frequency of flossing led to an even greater reduction in stroke risk.

When asked how flossing could offer such impressive heart and blood vessel benefits, study lead author Souvik Sen, M.D. explained, “Oral health behaviors are linked to inflammation and artery hardening. Flossing may reduce stroke risk by lowering oral infections and inflammation and encouraging other healthy habits.”

Simply put, harmful bacteria in your mouth, along with their inflammatory byproducts, can cross into your bloodstream, where they work at hardening your arteries and causing clot formation.

This turns your blood vessels and heart into a ticking time bomb.

Better oral care for stroke and AFib prevention

So, how do you prevent this time bomb from ticking down to zero?

One thing is clear-regular teeth brushing, flossing, and dental visits are not just a routine, they are a necessity. These simple habits can go a long way in preventing serious health issues like stroke and atrial fibrillation, giving you the confidence that you’re taking the right steps for your health.

Next, consider switching to oil pulling, rather than using traditional mouthwashes, which can raise your blood pressure.

And be sure to keep your oral microbiome (the balance of good and bad bacteria in your mouth) healthy by:

• Giving up smoking which raises your risk of gum disease
• Drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth from drying up
• Trying a dental probiotic that can boost levels of healthy bacteria in your mouth

Finally, remember that your mouth needs extra care if you’re over 50.

That’s because the enamel on the outside of your teeth is more likely to be worn down, and your gum tissue naturally recedes as you age. To top it off, you’re far more likely to experience dry mouth issues that compromise the oral microbiome due to lowered function of the salivary glands with age, along with medications that can lead to dry mouth.

Sources:

Regular dental flossing may lower risk of stroke from blood clots, irregular heartbeats — EurekAlert!