March 18, 2025

Beyond Fresh Breath: How Flossing Can Save Your Life

11 minutes

Story at-a-glance

Oral diseases now affect 3.5 billion people worldwide, making them the most widespread health conditions, yet many overlook their link to serious diseases
Poor oral hygiene contributes to chronic inflammation, increasing the risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation, but simple habits like flossing significantly reduce these risks
A study presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Conference found that flossing at least once a week lowers the risk of ischemic stroke by 22% and heart-related strokes by 44%
Flossing also reduces the likelihood of atrial fibrillation by 12%, helping prevent blood clots that lead to heart failure and other cardiovascular complications
Regular flossing lowers systemic inflammation, reducing cardiovascular mortality risk by 36%, with each additional day of flossing per week decreasing the risk of dying from heart disease by 6%

...more

By Dr. Mercola

4.7

14201,420 ratings

March 18, 2025

11 minutes

Story at-a-glance

Oral diseases now affect 3.5 billion people worldwide, making them the most widespread health conditions, yet many overlook their link to serious diseases
Poor oral hygiene contributes to chronic inflammation, increasing the risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation, but simple habits like flossing significantly reduce these risks
A study presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Conference found that flossing at least once a week lowers the risk of ischemic stroke by 22% and heart-related strokes by 44%
Flossing also reduces the likelihood of atrial fibrillation by 12%, helping prevent blood clots that lead to heart failure and other cardiovascular complications
Regular flossing lowers systemic inflammation, reducing cardiovascular mortality risk by 36%, with each additional day of flossing per week decreasing the risk of dying from heart disease by 6%

...more