Regularly Doing This Habit Can Lower The Risk Of Stroke

JAKARTA - Stroke is one of the main causes of death and disability in the world. This disease occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted due to blockage (ischemic stroke) or rupture of blood vessels (hemoragic stroke). However, did you know that the risk of stroke can be reduced by simple habits that can be done every day?

A study from the American Stroke Association's International Stroke 2025 found that dental floating can at least once a week reduce the risk of stroke due to blood clots and heart rhythm disorders (atrial fibrillation or AFib).

According to the latest global health reports, oral diseases such as untreated cavities and gum disease have affected 3.5 billion people in 2022, making them one of the most common health conditions in the world.

Dr. Souvik Sen, head of the Department of Neurology at Prisma Health Richland Hospital and University of South Carolina School of Medicine, explained that the study aims to find out the hygiene habits of teeth, flossing, brushing teeth, or regular visits to dentists, which are most influential in preventing stroke.

The study of Aethrosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC), one of the first large-scale studies in the US, researched more than 6,000 people through a questionnaire about their flossing habits at home. Of those who report routinely using braids:

- 4,092 people have never had a stroke.

- 4.050 people were never diagnosed with AFib.

During the 25 years of follow-up period, 434 participants suffered a stroke, with details:

- 147 due to blood clots in large brain arteries.

- 97 due to blood clots from the heart.

- 95 due to hardening of small arteries.

Analysis results show that dental flossing is routinely associated with:

- 22% decrease in risk of ischemic stroke (stroke due to blockage of blood vessels in the brain).

- 44% reduced risk of stroke cardioembolic (strokes due to blood clots from the heart).

- 12% reduction in AFib risk.

More interestingly, this decrease in risk is independent of the habit of brushing teeth or regular visits to dentists. In fact, the more often someone does flooding, the more likely they are to reduce the risk of stroke. In addition, flossing is also associated with a lower risk of cavities and gum disease.

Why Can Flossing Lower The Risk Of Stroke?

Researchers were surprised by the finding that flossing could also lower the risk of AFib. AFib is the most common heart rhythm disorder. This can lead to stroke, heart failure, or other cardiovascular complications.

Dr. Sen explained that dental health is related to inflammation and hardening of arteries. Flossing can reduce the risk of stroke by reducing infection and inflammation in the mouth and encouraging other healthy living habits.

We understand that dental treatment can be expensive for many people. However, flossing is a healthy habit that is easy to do, affordable, and accessible anywhere," said Dr. Sen, quoted by VOI from the American Heart Association page on Tuesday, February 11.

Dr. Daniel T.Lackland, a member of the American Heart Association's EPI and Stroke Council and professor of epidemiology at the Medical University of South Carolina, said that this study provides further insight into the relationship between the habit of maintaining dental health and the risk of stroke.

If further research supports these findings, the habit of maintaining mouth health such as flossing may be included in the list of ways to reduce or prevent the risk of stroke, which currently includes diet, physical activity, stay away from nicotine exposure, sleep, body mass index, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and blood fat levels.