Regular Flossing May Reduce Your Stroke Risk

The link between oral health and stroke risk

This new research is consistent with what we know about the relationship between oral health and cardiovascular disease, says dentist Thomas E. Van Dyke, senior member of staff for the American Dental Association Forsyth Institute.

Plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth, if it isn’t removed, can cause inflammation, which increases the risk for cardiovascular conditions, Van Dyke says. “The longer the plaque remains in place undisturbed, the more inflammatory it becomes.” Inflammation in the body is linked to hardening of blood vessels and irregular heart rate, Sen says. In other words, local inflammation in your mouth leads to systemic inflammation throughout the body.

At the same time, the bacteria that thrives when there is gum disease, known as periodontitis, can enter the circulation and damage blood vessels, says Mia Geisinger, a periodontist and president of the American Academy of Periodontology. “This ‘double-whammy’ of oral inflammation and bacterial damage is thought to be a part of the association between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease.”

Brushing alone is not as effective at removing the plaque that leads to inflammation, Geisinger says. It doesn’t reach in between the teeth. In fact, brushing alone removes only 42 to 60 percent of the total plaque. The plaque in between teeth is often the first place that periodontitis starts.

Tips on flossing

Flossing can take care of much of that hidden plaque. You are probably familiar with the American Dental Association’s recommendation to brush for two minutes twice a day and clean between teeth once a day. But what if achy joints or limited mobility make flossing awkward, painful or too taxing? You have options.

“For individuals with dexterity issues … interdental brushes and powered flossers can be helpful,” Geisinger says. A dental health care professional can recommend the most effective tools and techniques for flossing.

Sen says flossing is an affordable, effective public health measure, particularly important for those with limited access to dental care. Along with other stroke prevention strategies like a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medical management of risk factors, taking care of your gums could be a simple addition to supporting heart and brain health.