- Regular dental flossing may lower the risk of stroke caused by blood clots and irregular heartbeats such as atrial fibrillation (AFib).This benefit appears to be self-reliant of other oral hygiene behaviors like tooth brushing.
- A study found that participants who flossed regularly had a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke, a 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke, and a 12% lower risk of AFib compared to those who did not floss.
- The investigators noted that flossing was significantly associated with a lower risk for ischemic stroke, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.79.
- The potential mechanism suggested by the study’s main author,Dr. Souvik Sen, is that good oral hygiene may reduce inflammation and calcification of the arteries, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Interview with Dr. Souvik Sen on the Benefits of Regular Dental Flossing
Table of Contents
- Interview with Dr. Souvik Sen on the Benefits of Regular Dental Flossing
- Editor: Can you explain the findings of your recent study on the relationship between dental flossing and stroke risk?
- Editor: How does flossing compare to othre oral hygiene behaviors, such as tooth brushing, in terms of its impact on cardiovascular health?
- Editor: What is the potential mechanism by which flossing reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases?
- Editor: Can you discuss the adjusted hazard ratio for ischemic stroke associated with flossing?
- Editor: What recommendations do you have for individuals looking to improve their cardiovascular health through better oral hygiene?
- Editor: What are the next steps in your research on the relationship between oral hygiene and cardiovascular health?
In a groundbreaking study presented at the American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference, researchers found a significant link between regular dental flossing and a reduced risk of stroke and irregular heartbeats. We sat down with the study’s lead author, Dr. Souvik Sen, to discuss these findings and their implications for public health.
Editor: Can you explain the findings of your recent study on the relationship between dental flossing and stroke risk?
Dr. Souvik Sen: Certainly. Our study found that individuals who flossed at least once a week had a substantially lower risk of stroke. specifically,those who flossed regularly had a 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke,a 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke,and a 12% lower risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib) compared to those who did not floss.
Editor: How does flossing compare to othre oral hygiene behaviors, such as tooth brushing, in terms of its impact on cardiovascular health?
Dr. Souvik Sen: While both tooth brushing and flossing are important for oral hygiene, our study highlights the additional benefits of flossing.Flossing is notably effective in reaching areas between the teeth and under the gumline that toothbrushes cannot. This helps to remove plaque and food particles that can contribute to gum disease and inflammation.
Editor: What is the potential mechanism by which flossing reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases?
Dr. Souvik Sen: The potential mechanism suggested by our study is that good oral hygiene,including regular flossing,may reduce inflammation and calcification of the arteries. Inflammation and arterial calcification are key factors in the development of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and AFib. By maintaining good oral hygiene, individuals can help to reduce these risk factors and lower their overall risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Editor: Can you discuss the adjusted hazard ratio for ischemic stroke associated with flossing?
Dr. Souvik Sen: Yes, in our study, we found that flossing was significantly associated with a lower risk for ischemic stroke, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.79.This means that, after adjusting for other risk factors, individuals who flossed regularly had a 21% lower risk of ischemic stroke compared to those who did not floss.
Editor: What recommendations do you have for individuals looking to improve their cardiovascular health through better oral hygiene?
Dr. Souvik Sen: I would recommend that individuals incorporate regular flossing into their daily oral hygiene routine. Along with flossing, maintaining good oral hygiene through regular tooth brushing, using mouthwash, and visiting the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings can also help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking, can further enhance cardiovascular health.
Editor: What are the next steps in your research on the relationship between oral hygiene and cardiovascular health?
Dr. Souvik Sen: Our next steps involve further investigating the mechanisms by which oral hygiene affects cardiovascular health. We are also interested in exploring the long-term effects of regular flossing and other oral hygiene practices on cardiovascular disease risk.Our goal is to provide more evidence-based recommendations for improving public health and reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases.
Editor: Thank you,dr. Sen, for sharing your insights on this important topic.
Dr. Souvik Sen: Thank you for having me.