Flossing your teeth at least once a week may be linked to a lower risk of stroke caused by a blood clot blocking brain blood flow and irregular heartbeats, according to a preliminary study to be presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2025.

The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, which began in 1987, assessed the home use of dental floss through a questionnaire of more than 6,000 people. Among those who reported flossing, 4,092 had not experienced a stroke and 4,050 had not been diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat known as atrial fibrillation.

Poor oral health could be a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease. New research shows that good oral health habits, such as flossing, may reduce the risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation (AFib).