It turns out that regular brushing of teeth with dental floss reduces the risk of stroke.
We are talking about cases when a blood clot breaks off from the heart or the heartbeat is disrupted.
This is the conclusion reached by researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina (USA).
They surveyed over 6,000 people and found that 4,092 citizens (of those who flossed) did not have a stroke.
And 4,050 people did not have atrial fibrillation (a type of abnormal heart rhythm).
In their work, doctors also took into account such factors as blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol levels.
Body mass index, smoking, regularity of brushing teeth, level of education, and how often a person visits the dentist were also taken into account.
Observations of the subjects continued for exactly a quarter of a century.
Over these years, 434 people had a stroke:
– 147 cases – due to blood clots in large arteries of the brain;
– 97 cases – due to blood clots in the heart;
– 95 cases – due to hardening of small arteries.
In addition, 1,291 people were diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.
As it turned out, those who regularly flossed had a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke.
The risk of stroke due to blood clots breaking away from the heart was 44% lower, and the risk of atrial fibrillation was 12% lower.
Flossing may reduce the risk of stroke by reducing oral infections and inflammation, scientists say.
